Remembering... those who have given all
By: - Lt. Cmdr. L. Cartus Thornton
Id #: 20056195437
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, SC(May 27, 2005) -- Monday, May 30 is Memorial Day, a day that every American ought to honor those who spilled their blood to make America what she is today- free, strong and a nation worth fighting for.
Because men and women have fought and died for this country, we have the right to live our lives in freedom. We have the right to live at peace in our own homes. We have the right to pursue peace, prosperity and happiness. Thank God for those who died to make us free.
Alabama State Auditor, Beth Chapman clearly enunciated that it is the men and women of the United States military that have secured the freedoms and liberties that we enjoy in America today. She stated at a Stand Up for America Rally held in Montgomery, Ala., in February 2003:
I’m here tonight because men and women of the United States military have given their lives for my freedom. I am not here tonight because Sheryl Crowe, Rosie O’Donnell, Martin Sheen, George Clooney, Jane Fonda or Phil Donahue sacrificed their lives for me.
If my memory serves me correctly, it was not movie stars or musicians, but the United States Military who fought on the shores of Iwo Jima, the jungles of Vietnam, and the beaches of Normandy…
We should give our military honor and acknowledgement and not let their deaths be in vain. If you want to see true human shields, walk through Arlington Cemetery. There lie human shields, heroes, and the BRAVE Americans who didn’t get on television and talk about being a human shield - they were human shields.
I thank God tonight for freedom - - those who bought and paid for it with their lives in the past - - those who will protect it in the present and defend it in the future.
This is what Memorial Day is all about, remembering those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for God and country. Let us hold them and their families in high esteem and honor as we celebrate our freedom.
I watched the flag pass by one day. It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it, and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform, so young, so tall, so proud
With hair cut square and eyes alert he’d stand out in any crowd.
I thought, how many men like him had fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil? How many mothers’ tears?
How many Pilots’ planes shot down? How many foxholes were soldiers’ graves?
No, Freedom is not free.
I heard the sound of taps one night, when everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play and felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times that taps had meant “Amen”
When a flag had draped a coffin of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children, of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands with interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard at the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington. No, Freedom isn’t free!!
- Lt. Cmdr. Kelly Strong, U.S. Coast Guard
Thank you to all of our Armed Forces of the United States of America past, present and future! May God bless you and yours abundantly for your faithful service and keep you in the palm of His hand!
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....92?OpenDocument
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
Kennel’s ‘top dog’ sent to Iraq for second time, sniffing out weapons, terrorists
Submitted by: MCAS Beaufort
Story Identification #: 200599142410
Story by Pfc. Zachary Dyer
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 9, 2005) -- Marines aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort are continually deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. However, for one Fightertown Devil Dog, the second trip to Iraq will be on all fours.
Benny, a 6-year-old German Shepherd and a military working dog at the Provost Marshal’s Office, left for his second deployment in support of OIF, Aug. 26.
In October 2004, Benny was sent on his first tour with Cpl. Roy Brown, the canine trainer at PMO. Benny was attached to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and spent time in Najaf, Baghdad and Fallujah, according to Brown.
“We were basically a grunt with a dog,” Brown said. “We did patrols, raids and found a bunch of weapons caches. Because of him, I got put in for the Bronze Star.”
With the success of his first tour under his collar, Benny’s second trip to Iraq should be no problem, according to Brown.
“Benny loves it over there,” Brown said. “He slept in the rack with me. He went everywhere with me except the chow hall.”
Military working dogs are treated like Marines in Iraq, according to Brown. When a mortar landed close to Benny and damaged his ears, he was medevaced to safety like any Marine would be.
PMO has deployed six dogs to Iraq, but Benny is the only one to be sent twice, according to Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Bunt, the kennel master at PMO. “It’s not unusual for a dog to be deployed twice, but as fast as the turnaround was between Benny’s last deployment and now, yes, that’s unusual,” Bunt said.
Benny’s second tour to Iraq may have come rapidly, but not without good reason, according to Brown.
“Benny is the best dog in the kennel,” Brown said.
When Benny returned to the Air Station in January, he resumed his normal life as a military working dog, which includes training, barracks searches, providing security, and responding to bomb calls from Charleston to Savannah, according to Cpl. Stephen Dojnia, Benny’s handler.
Dojnia, the fifth Marine to handle Benny, began working with him in June.
Before the war in Iraq, it was normal for handlers to stay with their dogs for three to four years. Now, in order to keep the handlers from deploying too often, they are switched after about a year and a half, according to Bunt.
Benny and Dojnia will spend about two weeks in Camp Lejeune before heading for Iraq.
Dojnia is happy to be working with Benny and looking forward to deployment.
“Look at him,” Dojnia said. “He’s a 6-year-old dog, but he has the energy of a puppy.”
Just like Marines of the two-legged variety, military working dogs have to prepare for deployment. Handlers take the dogs on long walks to get them acclimated to the heat, according to Brown. The dogs are also issued “doggles”, which are custom goggles to protect their eyes in case of a sandstorm, and booties to protect their feet from the hot sand, according to Brown.
Benny, who was born in 1999, was trained to be a military working dog at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in 2000. Upon completion of his training, Benny was sent to PMO at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in 2000. Benny was then moved aboard Fightertown in January 2004, when the Military Working Dogs section was consolidated.
Also in January, Benny had a replacement hip put in because of hip dysplasia, a condition that many German Shepherds develop. However, a hip replacement will not keep Benny from performing his duties in Iraq, according to Brown. “Now he’s all over the place. You can’t keep him down,” Brown said.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....42?opendocument
Submitted by: MCAS Beaufort
Story Identification #: 200599142410
Story by Pfc. Zachary Dyer
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. (Sept. 9, 2005) -- Marines aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort are continually deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. However, for one Fightertown Devil Dog, the second trip to Iraq will be on all fours.
Benny, a 6-year-old German Shepherd and a military working dog at the Provost Marshal’s Office, left for his second deployment in support of OIF, Aug. 26.
In October 2004, Benny was sent on his first tour with Cpl. Roy Brown, the canine trainer at PMO. Benny was attached to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and spent time in Najaf, Baghdad and Fallujah, according to Brown.
“We were basically a grunt with a dog,” Brown said. “We did patrols, raids and found a bunch of weapons caches. Because of him, I got put in for the Bronze Star.”
With the success of his first tour under his collar, Benny’s second trip to Iraq should be no problem, according to Brown.
“Benny loves it over there,” Brown said. “He slept in the rack with me. He went everywhere with me except the chow hall.”
Military working dogs are treated like Marines in Iraq, according to Brown. When a mortar landed close to Benny and damaged his ears, he was medevaced to safety like any Marine would be.
PMO has deployed six dogs to Iraq, but Benny is the only one to be sent twice, according to Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Bunt, the kennel master at PMO. “It’s not unusual for a dog to be deployed twice, but as fast as the turnaround was between Benny’s last deployment and now, yes, that’s unusual,” Bunt said.
Benny’s second tour to Iraq may have come rapidly, but not without good reason, according to Brown.
“Benny is the best dog in the kennel,” Brown said.
When Benny returned to the Air Station in January, he resumed his normal life as a military working dog, which includes training, barracks searches, providing security, and responding to bomb calls from Charleston to Savannah, according to Cpl. Stephen Dojnia, Benny’s handler.
Dojnia, the fifth Marine to handle Benny, began working with him in June.
Before the war in Iraq, it was normal for handlers to stay with their dogs for three to four years. Now, in order to keep the handlers from deploying too often, they are switched after about a year and a half, according to Bunt.
Benny and Dojnia will spend about two weeks in Camp Lejeune before heading for Iraq.
Dojnia is happy to be working with Benny and looking forward to deployment.
“Look at him,” Dojnia said. “He’s a 6-year-old dog, but he has the energy of a puppy.”
Just like Marines of the two-legged variety, military working dogs have to prepare for deployment. Handlers take the dogs on long walks to get them acclimated to the heat, according to Brown. The dogs are also issued “doggles”, which are custom goggles to protect their eyes in case of a sandstorm, and booties to protect their feet from the hot sand, according to Brown.
Benny, who was born in 1999, was trained to be a military working dog at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in 2000. Upon completion of his training, Benny was sent to PMO at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in 2000. Benny was then moved aboard Fightertown in January 2004, when the Military Working Dogs section was consolidated.
Also in January, Benny had a replacement hip put in because of hip dysplasia, a condition that many German Shepherds develop. However, a hip replacement will not keep Benny from performing his duties in Iraq, according to Brown. “Now he’s all over the place. You can’t keep him down,” Brown said.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....42?opendocument
Engineers saved by combat protective gear
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 2005997156
Story by Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Sept. 9, 2005) -- Marines from Company A, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion were recently hit with a roadside bomb while convoying back to Camp Fallujah. Thanks to the protective gear the Marines wore, there were no fatalities.
Lance Cpl. Pascual Solis’ vehicle, a five-ton wrecker, was hit by a bomb that sent shrapnel flying in all directions. A few small pieces penetrated the cab of the wrecker and struck the 2002 graduate of Ridgeview High School in the rear body armor plate and another bounced off his neck protector and caught in the strap of his Kevlar helmet.
“We were driving along in our convoy and my initial reaction to the whole thing was that my vehicle got a flat tire, but I asked my assistant driver and he told me that it was a bomb,” the 21-year-old, Bakersfield, Calif., native said. “After a second of being disoriented I quickly got my vehicle out of the kill zone so as not to be hit if a secondary bomb exploded.”
When he stopped the vehicle, Solis got out and headed toward the Corpsman because his left arm was bleeding and he had a sharp pain in his back.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Paul V. Alde examined Solis finding a tear in the back of his flack jacket. Alde quickly removed the vest to see how deep the shrapnel had penetrated. Finding no break in Solis’ skin, he evacuated him to the medical facilities at Camp Fallujah while the rest of the Marines conducted a cordon and search of the area for the triggerman.
“It was a good thing that Solis was wearing all of his protective gear because of where some of the shrapnel hit his neck protector and embedded in the leather strap underneath his Kevlar helmet,” said 1st Sgt. Thomas S. Cluen, Company A 1st Sergeant. “With out all the gear he had on at the time, Solis could be in much worse shape than some minor cuts and bruises.”
Solis was under observation for that evening and given a week of light duty to let his wounds heal.
“This was my first bomb experience,” Solis stated.
As soon as Solis gets off light duty he will rejoin his fellow Marines with the mission of supporting Regimental Combat Team – 8 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“Solis is a vital member of our team, being one of two logistic vehicle system operators for the whole company,” said Cluen.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....EA?opendocument
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 2005997156
Story by Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Sept. 9, 2005) -- Marines from Company A, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion were recently hit with a roadside bomb while convoying back to Camp Fallujah. Thanks to the protective gear the Marines wore, there were no fatalities.
Lance Cpl. Pascual Solis’ vehicle, a five-ton wrecker, was hit by a bomb that sent shrapnel flying in all directions. A few small pieces penetrated the cab of the wrecker and struck the 2002 graduate of Ridgeview High School in the rear body armor plate and another bounced off his neck protector and caught in the strap of his Kevlar helmet.
“We were driving along in our convoy and my initial reaction to the whole thing was that my vehicle got a flat tire, but I asked my assistant driver and he told me that it was a bomb,” the 21-year-old, Bakersfield, Calif., native said. “After a second of being disoriented I quickly got my vehicle out of the kill zone so as not to be hit if a secondary bomb exploded.”
When he stopped the vehicle, Solis got out and headed toward the Corpsman because his left arm was bleeding and he had a sharp pain in his back.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Paul V. Alde examined Solis finding a tear in the back of his flack jacket. Alde quickly removed the vest to see how deep the shrapnel had penetrated. Finding no break in Solis’ skin, he evacuated him to the medical facilities at Camp Fallujah while the rest of the Marines conducted a cordon and search of the area for the triggerman.
“It was a good thing that Solis was wearing all of his protective gear because of where some of the shrapnel hit his neck protector and embedded in the leather strap underneath his Kevlar helmet,” said 1st Sgt. Thomas S. Cluen, Company A 1st Sergeant. “With out all the gear he had on at the time, Solis could be in much worse shape than some minor cuts and bruises.”
Solis was under observation for that evening and given a week of light duty to let his wounds heal.
“This was my first bomb experience,” Solis stated.
As soon as Solis gets off light duty he will rejoin his fellow Marines with the mission of supporting Regimental Combat Team – 8 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“Solis is a vital member of our team, being one of two logistic vehicle system operators for the whole company,” said Cluen.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....EA?opendocument
Not just another day on the job for one Marine in Iraq
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 20059975156
Story by Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Sept. 9, 2005) -- When the sun dawns on Observation Post 4, one Marine knows it’s another day on the job, but unlike other Marines, his job requires wearing many different hats.
Corporal Patrick S. Putt, a Nashville, Tenn., native and assault man with Headquarters Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, has only been in the Marine Corps a little over two years, but has more experience than most Marines do with twice the time in.
“The Headquarters Platoon Marines and I do what we can so that the line company Marines have an easier time completing their missions,” the 2003 Glencliff High School graduate stated.
Having been deployed last year with the battalion as an assault man in Weapons Platoon and seeing his fair share of firefights and engagements, Putt wanted to expand his knowledge of the Marine Corps.
On his second go around, Putt was given a different role that might not be as flashy, but is every bit as crucial to the company functioning at 100 percent. His primary job for this deployment is as a company clerk. He works on tracking attachments as they come and go from the company, making sure they have all the information they need if injuries occur. He also tracks how many Marines are in the company so that the chain of command also knows.
“It can get a little boring and tedious compared to what I did on the last deployment, but I still know that I am helping the Marines in the company out,” Putt said.
Putt has also been given the role of platoon sergeant and has to make sure all the Marines under him have what they need and aren’t missing any of the gear they use on a daily basis.
“There are not a lot of Marines in my platoon, but we make it easier on the rest of the Marines to keep their heads in the game,” Putt explained.
Not all of Putt’s time will be spent indoors because of an engineer class that he attended. When needed, Putt is able to do some basic demolitions while the Marines are conducting raids on nearby villages.
As a demolitions expert, he sometimes uses explosives to destroy small barriers and remove doors to gain access to certain areas if necessary. Since only two in the company are trained to do this, it makes Putt a valuable asset in the fight.
“I know many Marines who like to see stuff get blown up; the great part is I am going to be one of the Marines who gets to do it this time,” Putt stated.
Gaining knowledge about a variety of different jobs in the Marine Corps can give someone new ways to look at things. Putt will continue to expand his knowledge of the Corps until he decides it is time to take another path.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....0D?opendocument
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 20059975156
Story by Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Sept. 9, 2005) -- When the sun dawns on Observation Post 4, one Marine knows it’s another day on the job, but unlike other Marines, his job requires wearing many different hats.
Corporal Patrick S. Putt, a Nashville, Tenn., native and assault man with Headquarters Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, has only been in the Marine Corps a little over two years, but has more experience than most Marines do with twice the time in.
“The Headquarters Platoon Marines and I do what we can so that the line company Marines have an easier time completing their missions,” the 2003 Glencliff High School graduate stated.
Having been deployed last year with the battalion as an assault man in Weapons Platoon and seeing his fair share of firefights and engagements, Putt wanted to expand his knowledge of the Marine Corps.
On his second go around, Putt was given a different role that might not be as flashy, but is every bit as crucial to the company functioning at 100 percent. His primary job for this deployment is as a company clerk. He works on tracking attachments as they come and go from the company, making sure they have all the information they need if injuries occur. He also tracks how many Marines are in the company so that the chain of command also knows.
“It can get a little boring and tedious compared to what I did on the last deployment, but I still know that I am helping the Marines in the company out,” Putt said.
Putt has also been given the role of platoon sergeant and has to make sure all the Marines under him have what they need and aren’t missing any of the gear they use on a daily basis.
“There are not a lot of Marines in my platoon, but we make it easier on the rest of the Marines to keep their heads in the game,” Putt explained.
Not all of Putt’s time will be spent indoors because of an engineer class that he attended. When needed, Putt is able to do some basic demolitions while the Marines are conducting raids on nearby villages.
As a demolitions expert, he sometimes uses explosives to destroy small barriers and remove doors to gain access to certain areas if necessary. Since only two in the company are trained to do this, it makes Putt a valuable asset in the fight.
“I know many Marines who like to see stuff get blown up; the great part is I am going to be one of the Marines who gets to do it this time,” Putt stated.
Gaining knowledge about a variety of different jobs in the Marine Corps can give someone new ways to look at things. Putt will continue to expand his knowledge of the Corps until he decides it is time to take another path.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....0D?opendocument
Chief Master Sergeant James D. Johnston was born in Temple, Texas on 28 May 1930. He attended Alamo Heights High School in Alamo Heights, Texas, and in 1948 joined the Texas Air National Guard as a member of the 182nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron. He attended a 26 week technical training course at Fort Francis E. Warren, Wyoming, where he graduated with honors.
In 1956, he was assigned as an Automotive Mechanic in the 149th Fighter Group, Texas Air National Guard. In 1957, he was reassigned to the Ground Equipment shop, where he served as foreman from 1960 – 1979. In June 1979, he was reassigned as Transportation Foreman. On October 2, 1986, he became the aircraft mechanic general foreman, and shortly thereafter was promoted to grade of chief master sergeant. He retired from the Air technician Program after 32 years service in 1985. Thereafter, he served four years on the Senior Enlisted Advisory Council, TXANG and two years as the State Senior Enlisted Advisor.
Sergeant Johnston was a member of the Alamo RAMS serving as treasurer, vice president, and on the board of directors. He is a charter member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, as well as a member of Alamo Chapter of Air Force Association. He is also an active Life Member of National Guard Association of Texas and the Masonic Order. He has served on the board of directors for the Security Services Federal Credit Union for 17 years.
In recognition of his long and dedicated service, Sergeant Johnston was awarded the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and numerous other state and federal Awards. Among his civilian awards is the Minuteman Award from the National Guard Association of Texas.
Chief Master Sergeant Johnston is the epitome of a citizen soldier. His dedication to his community and his loyalty to his state and nation serve as a shining example for his fellow citizens and future Airmen of Texas Air National Guard.
Chief Master Sergeant Mata was born in San Antonio, Texas on 29 October 1925. He attended Lanier High School, graduating in 1941, after which he began his military career in the U.S. Army on 6 January 1944.
He served in Central Europe and the Rhineland from 30 October 1944 to 10 June 1946. On 25 June 1946 he was released from active duty and continued to serve in the Enlisted Reserve Corps.
He enlisted in the Texas Air National Guard on 22 March 1948 and was assigned to Detachment C, 236th Air Service Group at Brooks Air Force Base. On 10 October 1950 his unit was mobilized for the Korean War. After serving in Japan and Korea, he was released from active duty and returned to serve with the 136th Supply Squadron at Brooks Air Force Base.
During his service with the Texas Air Guard, he played a key role in the modernization of his unit’s logistic program and in leading the unit to exceptional levels of achievement resulting in the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster and three awards of the Air Defense Command “A” Award. He was always a role model to his unit and was widely respected and admired as a leader of men. In addition to his accomplishments at unit level, he served on numerous National Guard Bureau logistics committees as well as a member of the Texas National Guard Association Board of Directors and Legislative Task Force. He retired 57 October 1985 as a member of the 149th Resource Management Squadron.
In recognition of his 37 years service to his state and nation spanning two wars, Chief Mata was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal and numerous other awards and decorations.
Transition program brings Marines sense of home
Submitted by: 2nd Force Service Support Group
Story Identification #: 20059984920
Story by Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Sept. 8, 2005) -- When Marines and sailors deploy they leave family and friends behind. Returning to a home life after being in a combat environment for a prolonged period of time can be difficult and can complicate communication with loved ones.
However, service members can now begin resolving issues before stepping back onto American soil.
Marines and sailors returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom III or other war zones are required to attend a transitioning brief within 60 days prior to returning to garrison.
The Warrior Transition Program, a program mandated by Gen. Michael W. Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps; provides Marines an opportunity to share their narratives, stories and experiences while stationed in hostile environments.
The program has this far supported more than 2,100 service members since its start and is designed to help service members’ transition from a hostile to a home environment, according to Navy Capt. Vince Arnold, 2nd Force Service Support Group chaplain.
“Having Marines return to a sense of normalcy is the primary focus of this brief,” Arnold said. “Spending many months in a hostile environment can be stressing for many individuals.”
The program has four aspects that the service members must participate in, which include: a confidential questionnaire, a return and reunion brief, a discussion among troops on the positive and negative aspects of combat and a presentation on effective communication.
“We are not implying that anything is wrong with the Marines or sailors,” Arnold said. “We are simply trying to cease any problems that could escalate from experiences that happen [in Iraq or Afghanistan].”
Some normal responses from being in a stressful environment that Marines and sailors may have when they return are, but are not limited to depression, anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse, flashbacks or nightmares, Arnold explained.
“The one thing I try to teach Marines and sailors is resilience,” Arnold said. “Resilience basically means the ability to bounce back.”
Within the brief, resilient people are described to have a sense of coherence, which includes the expectation that life events will make sense, the belief that the individual has the necessary personal and social resources to meet the demands of theses events, and the conviction that these demands are worthy of investment and commitment.
“Resiliency is the greatest personality trait to have when returning from a place, such as Iraq,” Arnold said.
To schedule a class or ask questions regarding the program, service members should call their respective chaplain's office.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....8F?opendocument
Submitted by: 2nd Force Service Support Group
Story Identification #: 20059984920
Story by Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Sept. 8, 2005) -- When Marines and sailors deploy they leave family and friends behind. Returning to a home life after being in a combat environment for a prolonged period of time can be difficult and can complicate communication with loved ones.
However, service members can now begin resolving issues before stepping back onto American soil.
Marines and sailors returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom III or other war zones are required to attend a transitioning brief within 60 days prior to returning to garrison.
The Warrior Transition Program, a program mandated by Gen. Michael W. Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps; provides Marines an opportunity to share their narratives, stories and experiences while stationed in hostile environments.
The program has this far supported more than 2,100 service members since its start and is designed to help service members’ transition from a hostile to a home environment, according to Navy Capt. Vince Arnold, 2nd Force Service Support Group chaplain.
“Having Marines return to a sense of normalcy is the primary focus of this brief,” Arnold said. “Spending many months in a hostile environment can be stressing for many individuals.”
The program has four aspects that the service members must participate in, which include: a confidential questionnaire, a return and reunion brief, a discussion among troops on the positive and negative aspects of combat and a presentation on effective communication.
“We are not implying that anything is wrong with the Marines or sailors,” Arnold said. “We are simply trying to cease any problems that could escalate from experiences that happen [in Iraq or Afghanistan].”
Some normal responses from being in a stressful environment that Marines and sailors may have when they return are, but are not limited to depression, anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse, flashbacks or nightmares, Arnold explained.
“The one thing I try to teach Marines and sailors is resilience,” Arnold said. “Resilience basically means the ability to bounce back.”
Within the brief, resilient people are described to have a sense of coherence, which includes the expectation that life events will make sense, the belief that the individual has the necessary personal and social resources to meet the demands of theses events, and the conviction that these demands are worthy of investment and commitment.
“Resiliency is the greatest personality trait to have when returning from a place, such as Iraq,” Arnold said.
To schedule a class or ask questions regarding the program, service members should call their respective chaplain's office.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....8F?opendocument
U.S. Could Use Energy Weapons in Iraq Next Year
By REUTERS, NEW YORK
U.S. forces could be less than a year away from using energy beam weapons against insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan, a Defense Department official said Sept. 8.
The U.S. Army says it wants the short-range, nonlethal “directed energy” weapons to help deal with crowds and warn suspects in close situations without immediately resorting to gunfire.
The weapons project an invisible beam of energy through millimeter waves — smaller than radio waves or microwaves — causing a burning sensation and disabling but not killing the victim. The Department of Defense is hoping the weapons will lessen damage to buildings and prevent unnecessary civilian casualties.
The weapons have been developed by U.S. defense contractor Raytheon Co., which delivered a prototype to the Defense Department earlier this year.
While development of the weapons has received federal funding, it’s too soon to tell how profitable the project might be.
The weapons are to be integrated into a range of new high-tech systems that are being mounted on a Stryker combat vehicle, which is made by General Dynamics Corp.
The Defense Department aims to produce a full prototype vehicle by December and test up to three of those vehicles in Iraq or Afghanistan by next summer “if everything falls into place,” said the Defense Department official, who asked not to be named.
The development of the new range of weapon systems — code-named Project Sheriff — is being overseen by the Defense Department’s Office of Force Transformation, which was created to introduce new technology to the U.S. military.
“This system will protect U.S. and allied warfighters operating in dangerous urban settings while reducing the number of civilian casualties,” Mike Booen of Raytheon said in a statement on Sept. 8.
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=1090951&C=america
By REUTERS, NEW YORK
U.S. forces could be less than a year away from using energy beam weapons against insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan, a Defense Department official said Sept. 8.
The U.S. Army says it wants the short-range, nonlethal “directed energy” weapons to help deal with crowds and warn suspects in close situations without immediately resorting to gunfire.
The weapons project an invisible beam of energy through millimeter waves — smaller than radio waves or microwaves — causing a burning sensation and disabling but not killing the victim. The Department of Defense is hoping the weapons will lessen damage to buildings and prevent unnecessary civilian casualties.
The weapons have been developed by U.S. defense contractor Raytheon Co., which delivered a prototype to the Defense Department earlier this year.
While development of the weapons has received federal funding, it’s too soon to tell how profitable the project might be.
The weapons are to be integrated into a range of new high-tech systems that are being mounted on a Stryker combat vehicle, which is made by General Dynamics Corp.
The Defense Department aims to produce a full prototype vehicle by December and test up to three of those vehicles in Iraq or Afghanistan by next summer “if everything falls into place,” said the Defense Department official, who asked not to be named.
The development of the new range of weapon systems — code-named Project Sheriff — is being overseen by the Defense Department’s Office of Force Transformation, which was created to introduce new technology to the U.S. military.
“This system will protect U.S. and allied warfighters operating in dangerous urban settings while reducing the number of civilian casualties,” Mike Booen of Raytheon said in a statement on Sept. 8.
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=1090951&C=america
U.S. Troops Sweep Into Empty Insurgent Haven in Iraq
Rebels Apparently Fled City as Word Of Invasion Spread
By Jonathan Finer
Washington Post Foreign Service
Sunday, September 11, 2005; Page A28
TALL AFAR, Iraq, Sept. 10 -- The moment the Iraqi troops launched their attack just after 7 a.m. Saturday, the bullets began to fly. Gunfire echoed off centuries-old stone buildings in the insurgent-controlled neighborhood of Sarai: machine-gun bursts, booming tank rounds and an incessant crackle of AK-47s that lasted for most of an hour.
But the shooting spree was only going in one direction.
"We tell our people everywhere -- in Qaim, Rawah, Samarra and Ramadi -- that we are coming and there will be no hideout or place for the terrorists," he said.
In recent days, U.S. and Iraqi soldiers operating throughout the city had converged on Sarai, where fighting was expected to be fiercest. One U.S. squadron of just over 1,000 soldiers had planned for roughly 10 casualties per day during the assault. The night before the attack, commanders pored over aerial photographs of the neighborhood, which is so densely constructed that buildings were all but indistinguishable, making it difficult to plot a route for the attack.
Soldiers from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment walk over the demolished front gate of a house to search for weapons and insurgents in Tall Afar. Forces expected a fierce fight in the Sarai area. (Photos By Jacob Silberberg -- Associated Press)
"It's pretty much the worst urban terrain for fighting imaginable," said Capt. Alan Blackburn, commander of the Eagle Troop of the 3rd Armored Cavalry's 2nd Squadron, as he peppered his platoon commanders with questions about how to deal with wounded soldiers or large numbers of dead civilians.
Blackburn's intelligence showed that from 75 to 100 insurgents remained in Sarai, along with as many as 500 civilians, despite frequent messages broadcast over U.S. military loudspeakers calling on residents to evacuate.
Soldiers sleeping on the roof of a building on the southern edge of Sarai were awakened at 1:30 a.m. by a massive explosion from a ground-fired rocket, one of nine fired on the neighborhood during the operation, along with 20 Hellfire missiles, 20 2.75-inch rockets from AH-64 Apache helicopters, and 22 105mm rounds from AC-130 Specter gunships. Tanks also regularly fired rounds from their large main guns into the neighborhood
"Imagine being down there when you hear those things coming in," said Pfc. Patrick Hewitt, 19, of Frederick, Md., watching smoke billow from Sarai. "You must just be like, 'Oh my god, not again.' "
At 5 a.m., U.S. soldiers gathered at a bullet-riddled high school on the edge of Sarai and waited for the attack to begin. Three hours later, with the Iraqi army barrage still underway, Capt. Noah Hanners marched his Blue Platoon into Sarai to begin searching buildings for insurgents or evidence of their activity.
The soldiers walked quickly along both sides of a wide avenue, into what could have passed for a Hollywood version of a war zone: buildings missing roofs destroyed by explosions; blackened vehicles, some still smoking; shattered glass littering the road. They stepped over shell casings of all shapes and sizes.
It was impossible to determine how much of the destruction was recent and how much had been left unrepaired for months, or years.
The soldiers gathered material they considered suspicious, labeled it with permanent markers and placed it into garbage bags: in one house, military handbooks with diagrams showing how to conduct ambushes and make explosives; in another, three molotov cocktails; in a mosque, which had three large holes in its ceiling and shrapnel from a Hellfire missile among the rubble of its floor, grenades in a side room.
They confiscated computer disks and video controllers with the wiring removed, which can help trigger roadside bombs, and poked long sticks into water drums and baskets of grain to search for weapons.
In an alcove of one home, a newly dead body reeked so strongly that some soldiers gagged when they approached. Another body, a few blocks away, was missing most of its face. Some signs of life remained: a half-eaten bowl of rice, an unmade bed.
But each of the roughly 20 homes that Hanners' platoon searched -- many of which seemed ancient, with asymmetrical floors, slanted stone walls and tiny doors -- had been abandoned.
"That we had so little resistance shows the operation has been effective," Hanners said. "In that area, you normally wouldn't have lasted five minutes without getting shot up."
McMaster said the reconstruction of Tall Afar would begin soon after offensive operations were complete and insisted the city would not fall under insurgent control again. Already, $2.4 million in U.S. money has been allocated for infrastructure projects, but because of the violence, the military had been unable to persuade contractors to work here.
"They want this city to fail. They want Iraq to fail," McMaster said of the insurgents. "But the No. 1 priority is being met by this operation, which is to defeat the terrorists so they can no longer prevent reconstruction from happening."
In Baghdad on Saturday, Prime Minister Ibrahim Jafari ordered Iraq's northern border crossing into Syria sealed after complaints that the neighboring country was not doing enough to stop crossings by foreign fighters. The order, read on Iraqi television by Interior Minister Bayan Jabr, closed the border to all transportation, except for vehicles with special permission from the Interior Ministry, and imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the area.
Jabr said the closure was in effect under further notice.
About 30 miles south of Baghdad, meanwhile, police found the bodies of 18 men who had been handcuffed and shot to death in Iskandariyah, a town where dozens of killings have been reported in escalating vengeance killings by Shiite and Sunni death squads.
Baghdad International Airport reopened early Saturday after a day's closure in a payment dispute between the government and a British security company. Global Strategies Group said it agreed to resume security work after the government promised to pay half of what the company said it is owed.
Rebels Apparently Fled City as Word Of Invasion Spread
By Jonathan Finer
Washington Post Foreign Service
Sunday, September 11, 2005; Page A28
TALL AFAR, Iraq, Sept. 10 -- The moment the Iraqi troops launched their attack just after 7 a.m. Saturday, the bullets began to fly. Gunfire echoed off centuries-old stone buildings in the insurgent-controlled neighborhood of Sarai: machine-gun bursts, booming tank rounds and an incessant crackle of AK-47s that lasted for most of an hour.
But the shooting spree was only going in one direction.
"We tell our people everywhere -- in Qaim, Rawah, Samarra and Ramadi -- that we are coming and there will be no hideout or place for the terrorists," he said.
In recent days, U.S. and Iraqi soldiers operating throughout the city had converged on Sarai, where fighting was expected to be fiercest. One U.S. squadron of just over 1,000 soldiers had planned for roughly 10 casualties per day during the assault. The night before the attack, commanders pored over aerial photographs of the neighborhood, which is so densely constructed that buildings were all but indistinguishable, making it difficult to plot a route for the attack.
Soldiers from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment walk over the demolished front gate of a house to search for weapons and insurgents in Tall Afar. Forces expected a fierce fight in the Sarai area. (Photos By Jacob Silberberg -- Associated Press)
"It's pretty much the worst urban terrain for fighting imaginable," said Capt. Alan Blackburn, commander of the Eagle Troop of the 3rd Armored Cavalry's 2nd Squadron, as he peppered his platoon commanders with questions about how to deal with wounded soldiers or large numbers of dead civilians.
Blackburn's intelligence showed that from 75 to 100 insurgents remained in Sarai, along with as many as 500 civilians, despite frequent messages broadcast over U.S. military loudspeakers calling on residents to evacuate.
Soldiers sleeping on the roof of a building on the southern edge of Sarai were awakened at 1:30 a.m. by a massive explosion from a ground-fired rocket, one of nine fired on the neighborhood during the operation, along with 20 Hellfire missiles, 20 2.75-inch rockets from AH-64 Apache helicopters, and 22 105mm rounds from AC-130 Specter gunships. Tanks also regularly fired rounds from their large main guns into the neighborhood
"Imagine being down there when you hear those things coming in," said Pfc. Patrick Hewitt, 19, of Frederick, Md., watching smoke billow from Sarai. "You must just be like, 'Oh my god, not again.' "
At 5 a.m., U.S. soldiers gathered at a bullet-riddled high school on the edge of Sarai and waited for the attack to begin. Three hours later, with the Iraqi army barrage still underway, Capt. Noah Hanners marched his Blue Platoon into Sarai to begin searching buildings for insurgents or evidence of their activity.
The soldiers walked quickly along both sides of a wide avenue, into what could have passed for a Hollywood version of a war zone: buildings missing roofs destroyed by explosions; blackened vehicles, some still smoking; shattered glass littering the road. They stepped over shell casings of all shapes and sizes.
It was impossible to determine how much of the destruction was recent and how much had been left unrepaired for months, or years.
The soldiers gathered material they considered suspicious, labeled it with permanent markers and placed it into garbage bags: in one house, military handbooks with diagrams showing how to conduct ambushes and make explosives; in another, three molotov cocktails; in a mosque, which had three large holes in its ceiling and shrapnel from a Hellfire missile among the rubble of its floor, grenades in a side room.
They confiscated computer disks and video controllers with the wiring removed, which can help trigger roadside bombs, and poked long sticks into water drums and baskets of grain to search for weapons.
In an alcove of one home, a newly dead body reeked so strongly that some soldiers gagged when they approached. Another body, a few blocks away, was missing most of its face. Some signs of life remained: a half-eaten bowl of rice, an unmade bed.
But each of the roughly 20 homes that Hanners' platoon searched -- many of which seemed ancient, with asymmetrical floors, slanted stone walls and tiny doors -- had been abandoned.
"That we had so little resistance shows the operation has been effective," Hanners said. "In that area, you normally wouldn't have lasted five minutes without getting shot up."
McMaster said the reconstruction of Tall Afar would begin soon after offensive operations were complete and insisted the city would not fall under insurgent control again. Already, $2.4 million in U.S. money has been allocated for infrastructure projects, but because of the violence, the military had been unable to persuade contractors to work here.
"They want this city to fail. They want Iraq to fail," McMaster said of the insurgents. "But the No. 1 priority is being met by this operation, which is to defeat the terrorists so they can no longer prevent reconstruction from happening."
In Baghdad on Saturday, Prime Minister Ibrahim Jafari ordered Iraq's northern border crossing into Syria sealed after complaints that the neighboring country was not doing enough to stop crossings by foreign fighters. The order, read on Iraqi television by Interior Minister Bayan Jabr, closed the border to all transportation, except for vehicles with special permission from the Interior Ministry, and imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the area.
Jabr said the closure was in effect under further notice.
About 30 miles south of Baghdad, meanwhile, police found the bodies of 18 men who had been handcuffed and shot to death in Iskandariyah, a town where dozens of killings have been reported in escalating vengeance killings by Shiite and Sunni death squads.
Baghdad International Airport reopened early Saturday after a day's closure in a payment dispute between the government and a British security company. Global Strategies Group said it agreed to resume security work after the government promised to pay half of what the company said it is owed.
Marines, sailors open medical clinic in Afghanistan
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification #: 2005727103519
Story by Sgt. Robert M. Storm
JALALABAD AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (July 22, 2005) -- In another effort at winning the hearts and minds of the community, Marines, soldiers and sailors from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii temporarily set up a medical clinic for the public July 21.
“We were able to meet the needs of many of the locals. We plan to make this a weekly event with the villages surrounding the Jalalabad area,” said Navy Lt. Charles G. Emond, battalion surgeon, from Santa Rosa, Calif. “Ideally we want to integrate with the local medical doctors to use their clinics, so that we don’t have to set up tents every time.”
Under the Medical Civil Affairs Program or MEDCAP, Marines and sailors travel to the villages whose people lack basic medical care and treat as many civilians as possible. Many of the villages have no hospitals or clinics close by, and with no transportation, people often must go without medical treatment. Because of this, literally as soon as the Marines and sailors show up and start erecting tents, crowds start to form. By the time everything is set up and ready, the area is overflowing with people needing treatment. The clinic treated more than 500 people during the course of the day. According to the patient count, 65 men, 175 women, and more than 300 children were treated for various problems.
“This is the first time that someone comes and helps us; they give us medicine and help treat our sick. They also give us other stuff to help our lives; those of us whose husbands have died or are gone need all the help we can get. We have no money to even pay for food or rent so this medicine is a great help. People here have died because they couldn’t get to a hospital. We are really grateful to the Marines especially,” said Zargul, one of the elder village women who talked with the help of a translator.
Most of the people that visit the clinic have simple problems that would easily be fixed by a common household first aid kit. Symptoms like coughing, stomachaches, and intestinal problems can all be relieved by the ‘docs’ as they pass out cough syrup, Motrin, and other minor drugs. Vitamins are handed out to as many people as possible in the hopes the nutritional boost will help strengthen their immune systems. While the clinic is limited in its capabilities by supplies and equipment, the Navy corpsman treat what they can and give as much comfort and relief as possible to those whose conditions are too serious for treatment at the temporary clinic.
“These clinics are a big help to the locals. A lot of times little things like a cut can get infected because they have no medical supplies, then we have to clean and drain the wound and then put some disinfectant on it. Its amazing how much difference a little help can make in these people’s lives,” said Seaman Erik Garcia, corpsman, from Houston, Texas.
E-mail Sgt. Robert M. Storm at robert.storm@usmc.mil
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....50?opendocument
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification #: 2005727103519
Story by Sgt. Robert M. Storm
JALALABAD AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (July 22, 2005) -- In another effort at winning the hearts and minds of the community, Marines, soldiers and sailors from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii temporarily set up a medical clinic for the public July 21.
“We were able to meet the needs of many of the locals. We plan to make this a weekly event with the villages surrounding the Jalalabad area,” said Navy Lt. Charles G. Emond, battalion surgeon, from Santa Rosa, Calif. “Ideally we want to integrate with the local medical doctors to use their clinics, so that we don’t have to set up tents every time.”
Under the Medical Civil Affairs Program or MEDCAP, Marines and sailors travel to the villages whose people lack basic medical care and treat as many civilians as possible. Many of the villages have no hospitals or clinics close by, and with no transportation, people often must go without medical treatment. Because of this, literally as soon as the Marines and sailors show up and start erecting tents, crowds start to form. By the time everything is set up and ready, the area is overflowing with people needing treatment. The clinic treated more than 500 people during the course of the day. According to the patient count, 65 men, 175 women, and more than 300 children were treated for various problems.
“This is the first time that someone comes and helps us; they give us medicine and help treat our sick. They also give us other stuff to help our lives; those of us whose husbands have died or are gone need all the help we can get. We have no money to even pay for food or rent so this medicine is a great help. People here have died because they couldn’t get to a hospital. We are really grateful to the Marines especially,” said Zargul, one of the elder village women who talked with the help of a translator.
Most of the people that visit the clinic have simple problems that would easily be fixed by a common household first aid kit. Symptoms like coughing, stomachaches, and intestinal problems can all be relieved by the ‘docs’ as they pass out cough syrup, Motrin, and other minor drugs. Vitamins are handed out to as many people as possible in the hopes the nutritional boost will help strengthen their immune systems. While the clinic is limited in its capabilities by supplies and equipment, the Navy corpsman treat what they can and give as much comfort and relief as possible to those whose conditions are too serious for treatment at the temporary clinic.
“These clinics are a big help to the locals. A lot of times little things like a cut can get infected because they have no medical supplies, then we have to clean and drain the wound and then put some disinfectant on it. Its amazing how much difference a little help can make in these people’s lives,” said Seaman Erik Garcia, corpsman, from Houston, Texas.
E-mail Sgt. Robert M. Storm at robert.storm@usmc.mil
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....50?opendocument
General: It's 'fun to shoot some people'
Commandant gives counsel, acknowledges wrong word choice
Friday, February 4, 2005 Posted: 11:02 AM EST (1602 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A three-star Marine general who said it was "fun to shoot some people" should have chosen his words more carefully, the Marine Corps commandant said Thursday.
Lt. Gen. James Mattis, who commanded Marine expeditions in Afghanistan and Iraq, made the comments Tuesday during a panel discussion in San Diego, California.
"Actually it's quite fun to fight them, you know. It's a hell of a hoot," Mattis said, prompting laughter from some military members in the audience. "It's fun to shoot some people. I'll be right up there with you. I like brawling.
"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil," Mattis said. "You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them."
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/02/03/general.shoot/
Commandant gives counsel, acknowledges wrong word choice
Friday, February 4, 2005 Posted: 11:02 AM EST (1602 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A three-star Marine general who said it was "fun to shoot some people" should have chosen his words more carefully, the Marine Corps commandant said Thursday.
Lt. Gen. James Mattis, who commanded Marine expeditions in Afghanistan and Iraq, made the comments Tuesday during a panel discussion in San Diego, California.
"Actually it's quite fun to fight them, you know. It's a hell of a hoot," Mattis said, prompting laughter from some military members in the audience. "It's fun to shoot some people. I'll be right up there with you. I like brawling.
"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil," Mattis said. "You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them."
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/02/03/general.shoot/
Family readiness crucial to deployment success
Submitted by: 2nd Force Service Support Group
Story Identification #: 200572991521
Story by Sgt. Josh H. Hauser
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC (July 29, 2005) -- Navy and Marine Corps families facing upcoming deployments can do so more easily by taking advantage of a wealth of programs and resources available to them on base.
From pre-deployment through homecoming, the Navy/Marine Corps team is sparing no expense to ensure families of deployed service members are taken care of while their spouse is separated from them.
According to guidance sent down from Brig. Gen. John E. Wissler, 2nd Force Service Support Group commanding general, family readiness is, “crucial to our deployed success.”
One of the many resources available is Key Volunteers. Key Volunteers is comprised of the spouses of deployed Marines and sailors and acts as an information tool and support network for the families and loved ones left behind.
Danelle Hackett is the Key Volunteer coordinator for the Headquarters and Service Company of 8th Engineer Support Battalion. With a son in the Army deployed to Afghanistan and the wife of a Marine currently in Iraq, Hackett knows firsthand the struggles faced by the military family. A vital part of the Key Volunteers’ success is setting up a phone tree so information concerning problems and planning can be handled quickly and efficiently. But perhaps most important, according to Hackett, is the bonds and friendships created through the network.
“Between the events that we hold such as deployment briefs and banner parties for homecomings, you make friends along the way,” Hackett said.
A correlation can be found between a strong support system on the home front and the successes gained on the front lines. According to Col. Stephen W. Otto, 2nd FSSG chief of staff, our deployed men and women can focus more clearly on their mission simply by, “knowing their families have an out reach back home to help them resolve problems while they’re gone.”
Family readiness doesn’t start just prior to a deployment. Service members should prepare their families by ensuring they are aware of and know how to contact the various resources available to them.
Whether it is a financial, personal or domestic difficulty, the Department of Defense provides a wide array of self-help resources ranging from workshops designed to help spouses cope with being alone to chaplain services and tips that focus on helping children understand deployments.
To find out more information about the resources available to you and your family visit the Marine Corps Community Services Web site at http://www.usmc-mccs.org or call the Deployment Information Line at 1-800-451-MCCS (6227).
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....24?opendocument
Submitted by: 2nd Force Service Support Group
Story Identification #: 200572991521
Story by Sgt. Josh H. Hauser
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC (July 29, 2005) -- Navy and Marine Corps families facing upcoming deployments can do so more easily by taking advantage of a wealth of programs and resources available to them on base.
From pre-deployment through homecoming, the Navy/Marine Corps team is sparing no expense to ensure families of deployed service members are taken care of while their spouse is separated from them.
According to guidance sent down from Brig. Gen. John E. Wissler, 2nd Force Service Support Group commanding general, family readiness is, “crucial to our deployed success.”
One of the many resources available is Key Volunteers. Key Volunteers is comprised of the spouses of deployed Marines and sailors and acts as an information tool and support network for the families and loved ones left behind.
Danelle Hackett is the Key Volunteer coordinator for the Headquarters and Service Company of 8th Engineer Support Battalion. With a son in the Army deployed to Afghanistan and the wife of a Marine currently in Iraq, Hackett knows firsthand the struggles faced by the military family. A vital part of the Key Volunteers’ success is setting up a phone tree so information concerning problems and planning can be handled quickly and efficiently. But perhaps most important, according to Hackett, is the bonds and friendships created through the network.
“Between the events that we hold such as deployment briefs and banner parties for homecomings, you make friends along the way,” Hackett said.
A correlation can be found between a strong support system on the home front and the successes gained on the front lines. According to Col. Stephen W. Otto, 2nd FSSG chief of staff, our deployed men and women can focus more clearly on their mission simply by, “knowing their families have an out reach back home to help them resolve problems while they’re gone.”
Family readiness doesn’t start just prior to a deployment. Service members should prepare their families by ensuring they are aware of and know how to contact the various resources available to them.
Whether it is a financial, personal or domestic difficulty, the Department of Defense provides a wide array of self-help resources ranging from workshops designed to help spouses cope with being alone to chaplain services and tips that focus on helping children understand deployments.
To find out more information about the resources available to you and your family visit the Marine Corps Community Services Web site at http://www.usmc-mccs.org or call the Deployment Information Line at 1-800-451-MCCS (6227).
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....24?opendocument
MAG 42 Det B fly off to support OIF
Submitted by: Marine Forces Atlantic
Story Identification #: 2005912161422
Story by Sgt. Chris R. Berryman
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 12, 2005) -- The Wild Geese of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 42 Detachment B, Marine Aircraft Group 42 first deployed to Iraq in August 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed for their second seven months today.
HMM-774 logged more than 4,000 hours in the air during its first deployment to Iraq. According to Lt.Col. John G. McGonagle, commanding officer, their mission is to support the Iraqi people as they become a free and democratic people. The Marines of HMM-774 directly supported Iraqi democracy in their first deployment providing air transport to Iraqi government officials during their first democratic election. Their hard work earned their squadron the title of Marine Corps Reserve Helicopter Squadron of the Year for 2004.
The unit returned to the U.S. in March, and have been preparing for this deployment since. Many of the Marines that took part in the first deployment will remain with the unit for their second deployment to Iraq.
Lance Cpl. Dan J. Franken, a Virginia Beach native and a CH-46 airframe mechanic, is looking forward to his second deployment, “It’s not that bad out there.”
“I’m a little anxious, but mostly looking forward to deploying. I’m excited to get to know the bird better,” said Lance Cpl. Chase A. Lennon, a CH-46 mechanic deploying for the first time. Lennon has been with the squadron for just four months.
Lt.Col. McGonagle says the unit’s biggest challenge will be to keep the Marines morale high.
The task might not be as difficult as he is expecting. Cpl. Amanda F. Brown, a navigation systems technician, speaking of the upcoming deployment, said with a smile, “It’s just another day in Iraq.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....0A?opendocument
Submitted by: Marine Forces Atlantic
Story Identification #: 2005912161422
Story by Sgt. Chris R. Berryman
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 12, 2005) -- The Wild Geese of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 42 Detachment B, Marine Aircraft Group 42 first deployed to Iraq in August 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed for their second seven months today.
HMM-774 logged more than 4,000 hours in the air during its first deployment to Iraq. According to Lt.Col. John G. McGonagle, commanding officer, their mission is to support the Iraqi people as they become a free and democratic people. The Marines of HMM-774 directly supported Iraqi democracy in their first deployment providing air transport to Iraqi government officials during their first democratic election. Their hard work earned their squadron the title of Marine Corps Reserve Helicopter Squadron of the Year for 2004.
The unit returned to the U.S. in March, and have been preparing for this deployment since. Many of the Marines that took part in the first deployment will remain with the unit for their second deployment to Iraq.
Lance Cpl. Dan J. Franken, a Virginia Beach native and a CH-46 airframe mechanic, is looking forward to his second deployment, “It’s not that bad out there.”
“I’m a little anxious, but mostly looking forward to deploying. I’m excited to get to know the bird better,” said Lance Cpl. Chase A. Lennon, a CH-46 mechanic deploying for the first time. Lennon has been with the squadron for just four months.
Lt.Col. McGonagle says the unit’s biggest challenge will be to keep the Marines morale high.
The task might not be as difficult as he is expecting. Cpl. Amanda F. Brown, a navigation systems technician, speaking of the upcoming deployment, said with a smile, “It’s just another day in Iraq.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....0A?opendocument
Afghan Instructors Teach Afghan Students
By U.S. Army Sgt. Mason T. Lowery Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan National Army’s Command and General Staff College graduated its sixth class Aug. 22 – the first class taught entirely by Afghan instructors.
French officers first taught the four-month course when the staff college opened in 2004. They selected top Afghan graduates from the second class to become instructors. The French gradually transferred authority to the ANA officers and assumed the role of advisors by April 2005.
The French officers will remain at the CGSC to teach new courses in artillery, engineering and logistics, and will again choose top Afghan students from those classes to become future instructors. In a year, the CGSC will have only three French instructors instead of the current eight, said French Army Lt. Col. Gaeton Sevin, chief of the CGSC French training team.
The CGSC trains senior ANA staff officers to serve in command positions at kandak (battalion) or higher levels. Afghan majors through colonels complete a wide-ranging instruction program that consists of training in staff operations and procedures, topography, tactics, computer skills and English language improvement. They also attend numerous conferences and training exercises intended to strengthen their expertise in staff officer operations.
“We are very proud to teach them and can see that the best of them are ready to teach on their own,” Sevin said. “Thanks to this school, we have good officers who will be good for the ANA.”
Afghan National Army Col. Abdul Halim, chief of tactical doctrine at the staff college, said the French prepared him to be an instructor, particularly with computer and language lessons. “We have been taught really well. The French were beside us, and when we taught independently, if there were problems, they helped us,” he said.
Expressing his gratitude to the French officers, ANA Maj. Gen. Gullbahar Salim, CGSC commander, said, “I am very thankful to the French for teaching our instructors the new tactics. They taught them very well.”
Salim said students will benefit from the CGSC’s new organization and was optimistic about the future. “I am very proud of my instructors. It is better for the students to learn from Afghans instead of through interpreters.” He explained that the course will remain four months long until all ANA positions are filled. At that time, the course will be modeled after American military institutions.
The culmination of the sixth class was a Command Post Exercise, said French Army Maj. Pascal Muller, CGSC artillery professor. In the CPX, three Afghan kandaks faced a fictitious enemy force in an Afghan province. The students acted as members of the different cells of the kandak command post (current operations, plans, artillery, engineers and logistics). The students reacted to incidents, reported to the division, proposed solutions and transmitted orders to subordinate units.
“This exercise was a great success and all visitors were strongly impressed by the quality of the job done by the (Afghan) teachers and the students from CGSC,” Muller said.
Honor graduate for the class, ANA Col. Esmatullah, praised the hands-on approach to learning practiced at the CGSC and compared it to his earlier military education. “(Previously) we would study but not apply. But here we learned how to prepare and present the operational plan to commanders.”
As the graduation ceremony ended, approximately 20 graduates and instructors performed the Attan Dance (also known as the Afghan National Dance). The dance is thousands of years old and is performed by soldiers before they start a mission – in this case, serving the people of Afghanistan .
http://www.centcom.mil/CentcomNews/Stories/09_05/11.htm
By U.S. Army Sgt. Mason T. Lowery Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan National Army’s Command and General Staff College graduated its sixth class Aug. 22 – the first class taught entirely by Afghan instructors.
French officers first taught the four-month course when the staff college opened in 2004. They selected top Afghan graduates from the second class to become instructors. The French gradually transferred authority to the ANA officers and assumed the role of advisors by April 2005.
The French officers will remain at the CGSC to teach new courses in artillery, engineering and logistics, and will again choose top Afghan students from those classes to become future instructors. In a year, the CGSC will have only three French instructors instead of the current eight, said French Army Lt. Col. Gaeton Sevin, chief of the CGSC French training team.
The CGSC trains senior ANA staff officers to serve in command positions at kandak (battalion) or higher levels. Afghan majors through colonels complete a wide-ranging instruction program that consists of training in staff operations and procedures, topography, tactics, computer skills and English language improvement. They also attend numerous conferences and training exercises intended to strengthen their expertise in staff officer operations.
“We are very proud to teach them and can see that the best of them are ready to teach on their own,” Sevin said. “Thanks to this school, we have good officers who will be good for the ANA.”
Afghan National Army Col. Abdul Halim, chief of tactical doctrine at the staff college, said the French prepared him to be an instructor, particularly with computer and language lessons. “We have been taught really well. The French were beside us, and when we taught independently, if there were problems, they helped us,” he said.
Expressing his gratitude to the French officers, ANA Maj. Gen. Gullbahar Salim, CGSC commander, said, “I am very thankful to the French for teaching our instructors the new tactics. They taught them very well.”
Salim said students will benefit from the CGSC’s new organization and was optimistic about the future. “I am very proud of my instructors. It is better for the students to learn from Afghans instead of through interpreters.” He explained that the course will remain four months long until all ANA positions are filled. At that time, the course will be modeled after American military institutions.
The culmination of the sixth class was a Command Post Exercise, said French Army Maj. Pascal Muller, CGSC artillery professor. In the CPX, three Afghan kandaks faced a fictitious enemy force in an Afghan province. The students acted as members of the different cells of the kandak command post (current operations, plans, artillery, engineers and logistics). The students reacted to incidents, reported to the division, proposed solutions and transmitted orders to subordinate units.
“This exercise was a great success and all visitors were strongly impressed by the quality of the job done by the (Afghan) teachers and the students from CGSC,” Muller said.
Honor graduate for the class, ANA Col. Esmatullah, praised the hands-on approach to learning practiced at the CGSC and compared it to his earlier military education. “(Previously) we would study but not apply. But here we learned how to prepare and present the operational plan to commanders.”
As the graduation ceremony ended, approximately 20 graduates and instructors performed the Attan Dance (also known as the Afghan National Dance). The dance is thousands of years old and is performed by soldiers before they start a mission – in this case, serving the people of Afghanistan .
http://www.centcom.mil/CentcomNews/Stories/09_05/11.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0907-08.htm
Anti-War U.S. Marine Sentenced to Six Months in Jail
NEW ORLEANS, La. - A military jury found an anti-war U.S. Marine reservist guilty of unauthorized absence and sentenced him to six months in jail for refusing to report to his unit during the Iraq war, his lawyer said on Sunday.
Lance Cpl. Stephen Funk, a Seattle native who was based in San Jose, Calif., stands in the hall of the Naval Air Reserve Force Base in New Orleans, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003. (AP Photo/Judi Bottoni)
The verdict was less than the desertion charge the U.S. military had sought, which could have put Lance Cpl. Stephen Funk behind bars for a year, but defense attorney Stephen Collier said he would still appeal for a lighter sentence.
Funk, 21, has said he was the target of unfair prosecution because he was a conscientious objector who spoke at anti-war rallies. He was the only one of 28 Marine conscientious objectors to the Iraq war to face prosecution, but the military said that was because he was the only who did not report for duty.
A jury of four Marines reached the verdict late on Saturday after two days of testimony in a court martial at the 4th Service Support Group command, headquarters for the Marine Reserve, in New Orleans, which is where the Marine Corps processes conscientious objector cases.
Collier argued that Funk did not respond to his unit's call up on Feb. 9 because he claimed conscientious objector status and believed he would not be deployed. His unit, based in San Jose, California, loads cargo for transport.
But prosecutors said his refusal to report was a simple case of desertion.
Funk also informed the military he was gay, but military Judge John Maksym forbade that from being an issue in the court-martial.
Anti-War U.S. Marine Sentenced to Six Months in Jail
NEW ORLEANS, La. - A military jury found an anti-war U.S. Marine reservist guilty of unauthorized absence and sentenced him to six months in jail for refusing to report to his unit during the Iraq war, his lawyer said on Sunday.
Lance Cpl. Stephen Funk, a Seattle native who was based in San Jose, Calif., stands in the hall of the Naval Air Reserve Force Base in New Orleans, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003. (AP Photo/Judi Bottoni)
The verdict was less than the desertion charge the U.S. military had sought, which could have put Lance Cpl. Stephen Funk behind bars for a year, but defense attorney Stephen Collier said he would still appeal for a lighter sentence.
Funk, 21, has said he was the target of unfair prosecution because he was a conscientious objector who spoke at anti-war rallies. He was the only one of 28 Marine conscientious objectors to the Iraq war to face prosecution, but the military said that was because he was the only who did not report for duty.
A jury of four Marines reached the verdict late on Saturday after two days of testimony in a court martial at the 4th Service Support Group command, headquarters for the Marine Reserve, in New Orleans, which is where the Marine Corps processes conscientious objector cases.
Collier argued that Funk did not respond to his unit's call up on Feb. 9 because he claimed conscientious objector status and believed he would not be deployed. His unit, based in San Jose, California, loads cargo for transport.
But prosecutors said his refusal to report was a simple case of desertion.
Funk also informed the military he was gay, but military Judge John Maksym forbade that from being an issue in the court-martial.
Marines join international effort to aid victims Of Katrina
Submitted by: 11th MEU
Story Identification #: 200591220210
Story by Cpl. Ruben D. Calderon
D’IBERVILLE, Miss. (Sept. 10, 2005) -- About a week after the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina leveled parts of the Gulf Coast, Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, Calif., began assisting communities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast Region.
A detachment from MEU Service Support Group-11 traveled from the city of Gulfport to D’Iberville High School to help clean up and rebuild the damaged school. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the home of the D'Iberville Warriors varsity football team had remained unscathed for more than 25 years.
The Marines were not the only ones to come to the city's rescue. Help also came from across the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The Dutch Navy and the Mexican Marines also lent a hand to help rebuild two public schools in the community here.
A detachment of representatives from the U.S. Marines and the international military contingent were performing similar work a few miles down the road at D'Iberville Elementary School.
The Marine detachment, comprised of Spanish-speaking Marines, had a significant role in the internationally aided relief effort. In addition to assisting to clean up the school, the bilingual Marines acted as translators between the Mexican Marines and the English-speaking school faculty and Dutch sailors.
The Dutch sailors were previously conducting operations in Aruba. On their way home to Holland, the 187 sailors made a surprise stop here to help the relief effort.
"We were in the neighborhood and were asked by the U.S. if we could help," said Dutch Navy Lt. W. Lublink, head of the Dutch Navy relief operations. "I was glad that America asked us to help."
The relief effort marks the first time in more than a century that the Mexican military has stepped foot into the United States, and the second time in history it has crossed its border to assist another nation during a natural disaster, said Mexican Marine Lt. Ruben Oyarvide Pedrero, head of Mexican Marines relief operations here. The last time was during the Indonesian tsunami in 2004.
"When the tsunami hit last year, we aided by handing out food and water. Here, we are physically working and helping to rebuild things that have been destroyed," said Pedrero. “We train for these particular missions back in Mexico. We are always prepared to assist those in need of help," he said.
Some service members said they were very saddened by the havoc and destruction Katrina caused to the quiet middle class neighborhood.
"Seeing all this really makes you think that a catastrophe like this can happen anywhere," said Sgt. Plutarco S. Guzman, heavy equipment operator, MSSG-11. Guzman said that as he walked through the school's hallways, he could see that this was once a clean and typical high school. With hard work, he said, the Marines will get things back to normal.
The service members rolled up their sleeves and spent all day clearing debris from sullied lawns, broken glass and removing rain-drenched carpets. They cleaned linoleum floors, and picked up textbooks scattered throughout the empty hallways. The work they did made them feel the same as the people they were helping, grateful.
"We feel this tremendous amount of pride to be able to help those in need. Personally, I am extremely happy to be here to help in any way we can," said Pedrero. "You see something like this and you know that the people here have been wounded and are hurting. I pray that in time those wounds will heal," he said.
Pedrero and the other service's representatives have said that they have two things in common. They don't know how long their stay will be here, and most importantly, they wish to help the people of D'Iberville rebuild their city and get things back to normal.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....EC?opendocument
Submitted by: 11th MEU
Story Identification #: 200591220210
Story by Cpl. Ruben D. Calderon
D’IBERVILLE, Miss. (Sept. 10, 2005) -- About a week after the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina leveled parts of the Gulf Coast, Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, Calif., began assisting communities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast Region.
A detachment from MEU Service Support Group-11 traveled from the city of Gulfport to D’Iberville High School to help clean up and rebuild the damaged school. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the home of the D'Iberville Warriors varsity football team had remained unscathed for more than 25 years.
The Marines were not the only ones to come to the city's rescue. Help also came from across the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The Dutch Navy and the Mexican Marines also lent a hand to help rebuild two public schools in the community here.
A detachment of representatives from the U.S. Marines and the international military contingent were performing similar work a few miles down the road at D'Iberville Elementary School.
The Marine detachment, comprised of Spanish-speaking Marines, had a significant role in the internationally aided relief effort. In addition to assisting to clean up the school, the bilingual Marines acted as translators between the Mexican Marines and the English-speaking school faculty and Dutch sailors.
The Dutch sailors were previously conducting operations in Aruba. On their way home to Holland, the 187 sailors made a surprise stop here to help the relief effort.
"We were in the neighborhood and were asked by the U.S. if we could help," said Dutch Navy Lt. W. Lublink, head of the Dutch Navy relief operations. "I was glad that America asked us to help."
The relief effort marks the first time in more than a century that the Mexican military has stepped foot into the United States, and the second time in history it has crossed its border to assist another nation during a natural disaster, said Mexican Marine Lt. Ruben Oyarvide Pedrero, head of Mexican Marines relief operations here. The last time was during the Indonesian tsunami in 2004.
"When the tsunami hit last year, we aided by handing out food and water. Here, we are physically working and helping to rebuild things that have been destroyed," said Pedrero. “We train for these particular missions back in Mexico. We are always prepared to assist those in need of help," he said.
Some service members said they were very saddened by the havoc and destruction Katrina caused to the quiet middle class neighborhood.
"Seeing all this really makes you think that a catastrophe like this can happen anywhere," said Sgt. Plutarco S. Guzman, heavy equipment operator, MSSG-11. Guzman said that as he walked through the school's hallways, he could see that this was once a clean and typical high school. With hard work, he said, the Marines will get things back to normal.
The service members rolled up their sleeves and spent all day clearing debris from sullied lawns, broken glass and removing rain-drenched carpets. They cleaned linoleum floors, and picked up textbooks scattered throughout the empty hallways. The work they did made them feel the same as the people they were helping, grateful.
"We feel this tremendous amount of pride to be able to help those in need. Personally, I am extremely happy to be here to help in any way we can," said Pedrero. "You see something like this and you know that the people here have been wounded and are hurting. I pray that in time those wounds will heal," he said.
Pedrero and the other service's representatives have said that they have two things in common. They don't know how long their stay will be here, and most importantly, they wish to help the people of D'Iberville rebuild their city and get things back to normal.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....EC?opendocument
ALMAR 021/05
Date signed: 04/20/2005 MARADMIN Number: 021/05
Subject: 2004 MARINE CORPS COMMUNICATIONS AWARD RECIPIENTS
R 200010Z APR 05
FM CMC WASHINGTON DC(UC)
TO AL ALMAR(UC)
UNCLASSIFIED//
ALMAR 021/05
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC C4//
SUBJ/2004 MARINE CORPS COMMUNICATIONS AWARD RECIPIENTS//
REF/A/DOC/MCO 1650.47/-//
NARR/REF A IS MARINE CORPS COMMUNICATIONS AWARD PROGRAM (NOTAL)//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. PER THE REF, THE MARINE CORPS C4 AWARDS PROGRAM
RECOGNIZES INDIVIDUALS FOR SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS AND
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE FIELD OF COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS,
AND COMPUTERS.
2. IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT I ANNOUNCE THE RECIPIENTS OF THE
2004 MARINE CORPS C4 AWARDS. THE RECIPIENTS WERE SELECTED FROM A
HIGHLY DESERVING GROUP OF MARINES AND CIVILIAN MARINE NOMINEES.
3. AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE:
A. ALFRED M. GRAY TROPHY FOR OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATIONS
LEADERSHIP: CAPTAIN JEFFREY L. HAMMOND, 7TH COMMUNICATION BATTALION,
III MEF HEADQUARTERS GROUP, III MEF, OKINAWA, JAPAN. THE GRAY TROPHY
HONORS A MARINE CORPS CAPTAIN FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE
MARINE CORPS COMMUNICATIONS MISSION.
B. JAMES HAMILTON OUTSTANDING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD: MR. DAVID GREEN, MARINE CORPS TACTICAL
SYSTEMS SUPPORT ACTIVITY, CAMP PENDLETON, CA. THE HAMILTON AWARD
RECOGNIZES A CIVILIAN MARINE WHO PERFORMED SPECIAL ACTS OF
NOTEWORTHY
LEADERSHIP AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN THE AREA OF INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT.
C. PFC HERBERT A. LITTLETON ENLISTED COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS
(1) STAFF NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER FOR OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
EXCELLENCE AWARD: GUNNERY SERGEANT RAYMOND B. STEPHENS, II MARINE
EXPEDITIONARY FORCE, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC. THE LITTLETON AWARD
FOR OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS EXCELLENCE RECOGNIZES THE
CONTRIBUTIONS OF A SNCO PERFORMING OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS DUTIES
IN SUPPORT OF THE MARINE CORPS OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS MISSION.
(2) NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER FOR OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS EXCELLENCE
AWARD: SERGEANT FLORENTINO REYES, II MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE,
CAMP LEJEUNE, NC. THE LITTLETON AWARD FOR OPERATIONAL
COMMUNICATIONS
EXCELLENCE RECOGNIZES THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AN NCO PERFORMING
OPERATIONAL
COMMUNICATIONS DUTIES IN SUPPORT OF THE MARINE CORPS OPERATIONAL
COMMUNICATIONS MISSION.
(3) NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER ELECTRONICS MAINTENANCE EXCELLENCE AWARD:
SERGEANT JERRY D. KIGHT, COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, 4TH FORCE
SERVICE SUPPORT GROUP, GREENSBORO, NC. THE LITTLETON AWARD FOR
ELECTRONICS MAINTENANCE RECOGNIZES THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AN
NCO PERFORMING ELECTRONICS MAINTENANCE DUTIES IN SUPPORT OF THE
MARINE CORPS OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS MISSION.
4. AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED DURING THE C4 AWARDS DINNER AT THE
HILTON ALEXANDRIA MARK CENTER HOTEL, ALEXANDRIA, VA, ON 27 APRIL
2005.
5. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL AWARD RECIPIENTS AND NOMINEES FOR A JOB
WELL DONE.
6. KEEP ATTACKING, M. W. HAGEE, GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS,
COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS.//
Date signed: 04/20/2005 MARADMIN Number: 021/05
Subject: 2004 MARINE CORPS COMMUNICATIONS AWARD RECIPIENTS
R 200010Z APR 05
FM CMC WASHINGTON DC(UC)
TO AL ALMAR(UC)
UNCLASSIFIED//
ALMAR 021/05
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC C4//
SUBJ/2004 MARINE CORPS COMMUNICATIONS AWARD RECIPIENTS//
REF/A/DOC/MCO 1650.47/-//
NARR/REF A IS MARINE CORPS COMMUNICATIONS AWARD PROGRAM (NOTAL)//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. PER THE REF, THE MARINE CORPS C4 AWARDS PROGRAM
RECOGNIZES INDIVIDUALS FOR SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS AND
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE FIELD OF COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS,
AND COMPUTERS.
2. IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT I ANNOUNCE THE RECIPIENTS OF THE
2004 MARINE CORPS C4 AWARDS. THE RECIPIENTS WERE SELECTED FROM A
HIGHLY DESERVING GROUP OF MARINES AND CIVILIAN MARINE NOMINEES.
3. AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE:
A. ALFRED M. GRAY TROPHY FOR OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATIONS
LEADERSHIP: CAPTAIN JEFFREY L. HAMMOND, 7TH COMMUNICATION BATTALION,
III MEF HEADQUARTERS GROUP, III MEF, OKINAWA, JAPAN. THE GRAY TROPHY
HONORS A MARINE CORPS CAPTAIN FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE
MARINE CORPS COMMUNICATIONS MISSION.
B. JAMES HAMILTON OUTSTANDING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD: MR. DAVID GREEN, MARINE CORPS TACTICAL
SYSTEMS SUPPORT ACTIVITY, CAMP PENDLETON, CA. THE HAMILTON AWARD
RECOGNIZES A CIVILIAN MARINE WHO PERFORMED SPECIAL ACTS OF
NOTEWORTHY
LEADERSHIP AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN THE AREA OF INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT.
C. PFC HERBERT A. LITTLETON ENLISTED COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS
(1) STAFF NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER FOR OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
EXCELLENCE AWARD: GUNNERY SERGEANT RAYMOND B. STEPHENS, II MARINE
EXPEDITIONARY FORCE, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC. THE LITTLETON AWARD
FOR OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS EXCELLENCE RECOGNIZES THE
CONTRIBUTIONS OF A SNCO PERFORMING OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS DUTIES
IN SUPPORT OF THE MARINE CORPS OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS MISSION.
(2) NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER FOR OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS EXCELLENCE
AWARD: SERGEANT FLORENTINO REYES, II MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE,
CAMP LEJEUNE, NC. THE LITTLETON AWARD FOR OPERATIONAL
COMMUNICATIONS
EXCELLENCE RECOGNIZES THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AN NCO PERFORMING
OPERATIONAL
COMMUNICATIONS DUTIES IN SUPPORT OF THE MARINE CORPS OPERATIONAL
COMMUNICATIONS MISSION.
(3) NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER ELECTRONICS MAINTENANCE EXCELLENCE AWARD:
SERGEANT JERRY D. KIGHT, COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, 4TH FORCE
SERVICE SUPPORT GROUP, GREENSBORO, NC. THE LITTLETON AWARD FOR
ELECTRONICS MAINTENANCE RECOGNIZES THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AN
NCO PERFORMING ELECTRONICS MAINTENANCE DUTIES IN SUPPORT OF THE
MARINE CORPS OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS MISSION.
4. AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED DURING THE C4 AWARDS DINNER AT THE
HILTON ALEXANDRIA MARK CENTER HOTEL, ALEXANDRIA, VA, ON 27 APRIL
2005.
5. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL AWARD RECIPIENTS AND NOMINEES FOR A JOB
WELL DONE.
6. KEEP ATTACKING, M. W. HAGEE, GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS,
COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS.//
http://www.boardmember.com/issues/archive....le_id=12147&V=1
A Former U.S. Marine Hits Europe’s Corporate Boardrooms
by Julie Connelly
Shareholder activist Guy Wyser-Pratte is shaking up businesses around the Continent—and says he’s got more targets in his sights.
The German media have called the American the “Rambo der Kapitalmarkte”—a backhanded tribute to his raids on numerous companies he has seen as undervalued.
He typically buys in, raises enough hell to get management to make changes that boost the share price, and then sells out and leaves with his profits. Guy Wyser-Pratte is offhand about the Rambo moniker. “I might have seen one or two of the films,” he says with a shrug. But Wyser-Pratte, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, has stoked this tough-guy reputation, once warning the European business establishment to “wake up and smell the napalm.”
Wyser-Pratte, 64, made his name in the high-wire, brass-knuckles world of U.S. risk arbitrage during the 1970s and 1980s, and in 1991 redefined himself as a value investor. He has taken positions in 57 companies since 1992 and says that he’s earned a 26% annualized return. Among his high-profile exploits was herding Willamette Industries, a forest-products company, into accepting a buyout from rival Weyerhaeuser in 2002 by successfully challenging Willamette’s “Just say no” anti-takeover defense. Since the mid-1990s, Wyser-Pratte has also been hunting targets in Europe. Five years ago he tossed a grenade into France, engineering the first proxy contest in which a foreigner succeeded in throwing out the board of a French company—Groupe André, a clothing retailer now known as Vivarte. He won his Rambo nickname as a result of a current battle with Germany’s IWKA AG, a manufacturer of industrial machinery.
France completes a circle for Wyser-Pratte, who was born in Vichy (as a baby he was kissed by the leader of the pro-German wartime government, Marshal Pétain). His family moved to the U.S. when he was 7. He says he became an American by learning to play baseball. But he still pronounces his first name “Gee,” with a hard G, and breaks off conversations in American English to take business calls in French.
Wyser-Pratte doesn’t confuse what he does with philanthropy, but he argues passionately that the job of a board is to create value for shareholders. If the directors aren’t doing so, he’s happy to buy stock and rattle a few cages. In an interview in his New York City office with Corporate Board Member’s Julie Connelly, Wyser-Pratte talked about the growth of shareholder activism in Europe, how the emphasis on stakeholders does a disservice to stockholders, and why it pays to have spent four years in the U.S. Marines. Excerpts:
How do you pick your targets?
Very often it’s by referrals from people who have shares in a company, or who know the company and understand the problem it has and what we are capable of. They ask us to see if there is something we can do about the discrepancy between the company’s market price and where it should be trading.
Then we crunch the numbers and try to understand why the company is selling at a discount. And if we can figure that out and determine what to do about the closing of the differential, we’ll decide whether we’re going to launch a little campaign. We probably take on about a quarter of the companies that are referred to us.
But first it’s a question of finding the discount. Then we see if the discount is due to some corporate governance failure, something in the structure of the company. Corporate governance malfunction is usually hiding something far more serious, which is an underutilization of assets or destruction of value. Management is destroying value because it has operations that don’t earn their cost of capital and will never earn their cost of capital.
You create value by having management’s interest coincide with that of the shareholders. And until you do that, the rest of corporate governance is a lot of concepts that you have to have in order for a corporation to be well run, but it’s not going to increase the price of the shares for you until somebody questions the value creation. That’s where we come in. We’re the instigators for getting managements to align themselves properly with the shareholders.
We prefer to work on a very cooperative, harmonious basis with the folks that we pick as targets, but they know that if it’s not going to be harmonious, we’re capable of pushing them right into a proxy fight. In our present campaigns we’ve been very effective at pointing out the glaring structural errors within a company’s overall makeup. We’ve done it a number of times now—in France, in Germany, Holland, Belgium, and even in Slovakia.
What got you interested in Europe?
In the mid-’90s friends of mine in France saw how effective we were in value creation. They began to pick targets for us that we could go after with gusto. There was a lot to do. There still is a lot to do, and not only in France, obviously.
But certainly you can’t shake things up all by yourself.
It’s a question of coalition-building. Germany’s IWKA AG, which we’re after now, has a tremendous robotics division. We’re trying to get them to sell off their processing and packaging operations and concentrate on the robotics. Other investors are seeing this and watching the research departments around the world pick up the scent that without these other divisions, IWKA would be a gold mine. Because these investors gave us their added support at the last shareholders’ meeting, we got 38% of the votes to withdraw approval of the board—without even soliciting proxies.
So as investors continue to buy into this strategy, IWKA runs a real risk that at the next shareholders’ meeting we can go for a vote of no confidence. And that’s the worst slap shareholders can give to a company in Germany—the very worst.
What is different about the environment in Europe, compared with what you’re used to in the U.S.?
In the U.S. it’s not so much the establishment, the way it is when you go into France and Germany. In France you have a huge political problem to overcome, because first of all the French don’t like to be told by anybody, particularly an outsider, what to do.
And even though I have dual French and American citizenship, they speak of me as “Here comes the American Marine.”
You have a clique in France, an old-boy network, the old families aligned with the bureaucracy. This clique has a sort of vested interest in preventing the entrepreneurial class from climbing in society. I would like to show the entrepreneurs the way to force change through the financial markets. I have a political agenda as well, which is that they should really be embellishing the private sector.
In Germany it’s a little different. It’s what they call Deutschland AG—Germany Inc. And that’s the political class, which you could say is the Socialist Party [the Social Democratic Party], the party in power now. They control everything. If somebody wants to get something done in Germany and the wrong party is in power, forget it.
You’ve criticized the stakeholder culture. Why?
It’s very simple: All the stakeholders—the employees, the local vendors, the unions—are protected by legal contract, except for the shareholders. They have to depend on the board of directors to protect their interests, which is exactly why shareholders should necessarily be the major concern of a company’s board of directors. But directors hide behind the stakeholder concept. When they make decisions, they often cite “other considerations” in order not to have to do their job of enhancing shareholder value.
It sounds like nobody else in Europe is championing shareholder value, but surely that can’t be.
There are others. In France there are two women—Sophie L’Helias, who is a lawyer, and Colette Neuville, who runs an association that represents minority shareholders in French companies—who are very active in corporate governance. Frits Bolkestein, who is Dutch and just stepped down as the European Union’s internal market commissioner, tried to eliminate Germany’s “VW” law, which makes a takeover of Volkswagen practically impossible. He didn’t succeed, but he is really a champion for shareholder rights. The new internal market commissioner is Charles McCreevy, an Irishman. He’s proposing a one-share-one-vote rule across Europe. That is a huge deal. It would eliminate double voting rights, which allow certain shareholders to remain in voting control of a company, and a lot of outfits are going to be screaming.
Change agents aren’t popular, especially if they’re outsiders. Do the Europeans ever retaliate?
Oh, sure. They put me in jail in France last February. I showed up in Paris and there was a summons waiting for me at the Ritz hotel to appear at the judicial police station. The judicial police have the right to arrest you for 48 hours without notice. So I was put in a cell. What they did was take my belt, my shoelaces, and my tie so I couldn’t hang myself. After a few hours I was warned that I might be there the full 48 hours and they might extend that. It was engineered, I’m pretty sure, by someone
I had sued years ago who colored up an old dossier on me and showed it to a magistrate. The magistrate was determined to get me and told a person she interviewed about me, “This time I’m going to have his skin.” Eventually I was questioned by a very, very conscientious and well-versed police chief and I was able to convince him I’d done nothing, and he said, “M’sieu, you are free to go.” So off I went.
A few years before that, my wife and I were stopped and searched at the Paris airport—all our baggage, everything, was gone through. I knew something funny was behind it, so I had a friend of mine check with customs inspectors he knew, and they came back to my friend to tell him they had instructions to harass me at the airport. Vive la France!
Why do you keep on with this work? Aren’t there enough opportunities in the U.S.?
I think we’re on the side of the angels in most of these things. We are really doing good for the markets that we can get involved in, the companies that we’re involved in. I guess I didn’t spend four years in the Marine Corps for nothing. You get a certain attitude in the Marines where people may not like you, but they will respect you. And that’s a bit of my attitude on these things.
A Former U.S. Marine Hits Europe’s Corporate Boardrooms
by Julie Connelly
Shareholder activist Guy Wyser-Pratte is shaking up businesses around the Continent—and says he’s got more targets in his sights.
The German media have called the American the “Rambo der Kapitalmarkte”—a backhanded tribute to his raids on numerous companies he has seen as undervalued.
He typically buys in, raises enough hell to get management to make changes that boost the share price, and then sells out and leaves with his profits. Guy Wyser-Pratte is offhand about the Rambo moniker. “I might have seen one or two of the films,” he says with a shrug. But Wyser-Pratte, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, has stoked this tough-guy reputation, once warning the European business establishment to “wake up and smell the napalm.”
Wyser-Pratte, 64, made his name in the high-wire, brass-knuckles world of U.S. risk arbitrage during the 1970s and 1980s, and in 1991 redefined himself as a value investor. He has taken positions in 57 companies since 1992 and says that he’s earned a 26% annualized return. Among his high-profile exploits was herding Willamette Industries, a forest-products company, into accepting a buyout from rival Weyerhaeuser in 2002 by successfully challenging Willamette’s “Just say no” anti-takeover defense. Since the mid-1990s, Wyser-Pratte has also been hunting targets in Europe. Five years ago he tossed a grenade into France, engineering the first proxy contest in which a foreigner succeeded in throwing out the board of a French company—Groupe André, a clothing retailer now known as Vivarte. He won his Rambo nickname as a result of a current battle with Germany’s IWKA AG, a manufacturer of industrial machinery.
France completes a circle for Wyser-Pratte, who was born in Vichy (as a baby he was kissed by the leader of the pro-German wartime government, Marshal Pétain). His family moved to the U.S. when he was 7. He says he became an American by learning to play baseball. But he still pronounces his first name “Gee,” with a hard G, and breaks off conversations in American English to take business calls in French.
Wyser-Pratte doesn’t confuse what he does with philanthropy, but he argues passionately that the job of a board is to create value for shareholders. If the directors aren’t doing so, he’s happy to buy stock and rattle a few cages. In an interview in his New York City office with Corporate Board Member’s Julie Connelly, Wyser-Pratte talked about the growth of shareholder activism in Europe, how the emphasis on stakeholders does a disservice to stockholders, and why it pays to have spent four years in the U.S. Marines. Excerpts:
How do you pick your targets?
Very often it’s by referrals from people who have shares in a company, or who know the company and understand the problem it has and what we are capable of. They ask us to see if there is something we can do about the discrepancy between the company’s market price and where it should be trading.
Then we crunch the numbers and try to understand why the company is selling at a discount. And if we can figure that out and determine what to do about the closing of the differential, we’ll decide whether we’re going to launch a little campaign. We probably take on about a quarter of the companies that are referred to us.
But first it’s a question of finding the discount. Then we see if the discount is due to some corporate governance failure, something in the structure of the company. Corporate governance malfunction is usually hiding something far more serious, which is an underutilization of assets or destruction of value. Management is destroying value because it has operations that don’t earn their cost of capital and will never earn their cost of capital.
You create value by having management’s interest coincide with that of the shareholders. And until you do that, the rest of corporate governance is a lot of concepts that you have to have in order for a corporation to be well run, but it’s not going to increase the price of the shares for you until somebody questions the value creation. That’s where we come in. We’re the instigators for getting managements to align themselves properly with the shareholders.
We prefer to work on a very cooperative, harmonious basis with the folks that we pick as targets, but they know that if it’s not going to be harmonious, we’re capable of pushing them right into a proxy fight. In our present campaigns we’ve been very effective at pointing out the glaring structural errors within a company’s overall makeup. We’ve done it a number of times now—in France, in Germany, Holland, Belgium, and even in Slovakia.
What got you interested in Europe?
In the mid-’90s friends of mine in France saw how effective we were in value creation. They began to pick targets for us that we could go after with gusto. There was a lot to do. There still is a lot to do, and not only in France, obviously.
But certainly you can’t shake things up all by yourself.
It’s a question of coalition-building. Germany’s IWKA AG, which we’re after now, has a tremendous robotics division. We’re trying to get them to sell off their processing and packaging operations and concentrate on the robotics. Other investors are seeing this and watching the research departments around the world pick up the scent that without these other divisions, IWKA would be a gold mine. Because these investors gave us their added support at the last shareholders’ meeting, we got 38% of the votes to withdraw approval of the board—without even soliciting proxies.
So as investors continue to buy into this strategy, IWKA runs a real risk that at the next shareholders’ meeting we can go for a vote of no confidence. And that’s the worst slap shareholders can give to a company in Germany—the very worst.
What is different about the environment in Europe, compared with what you’re used to in the U.S.?
In the U.S. it’s not so much the establishment, the way it is when you go into France and Germany. In France you have a huge political problem to overcome, because first of all the French don’t like to be told by anybody, particularly an outsider, what to do.
And even though I have dual French and American citizenship, they speak of me as “Here comes the American Marine.”
You have a clique in France, an old-boy network, the old families aligned with the bureaucracy. This clique has a sort of vested interest in preventing the entrepreneurial class from climbing in society. I would like to show the entrepreneurs the way to force change through the financial markets. I have a political agenda as well, which is that they should really be embellishing the private sector.
In Germany it’s a little different. It’s what they call Deutschland AG—Germany Inc. And that’s the political class, which you could say is the Socialist Party [the Social Democratic Party], the party in power now. They control everything. If somebody wants to get something done in Germany and the wrong party is in power, forget it.
You’ve criticized the stakeholder culture. Why?
It’s very simple: All the stakeholders—the employees, the local vendors, the unions—are protected by legal contract, except for the shareholders. They have to depend on the board of directors to protect their interests, which is exactly why shareholders should necessarily be the major concern of a company’s board of directors. But directors hide behind the stakeholder concept. When they make decisions, they often cite “other considerations” in order not to have to do their job of enhancing shareholder value.
It sounds like nobody else in Europe is championing shareholder value, but surely that can’t be.
There are others. In France there are two women—Sophie L’Helias, who is a lawyer, and Colette Neuville, who runs an association that represents minority shareholders in French companies—who are very active in corporate governance. Frits Bolkestein, who is Dutch and just stepped down as the European Union’s internal market commissioner, tried to eliminate Germany’s “VW” law, which makes a takeover of Volkswagen practically impossible. He didn’t succeed, but he is really a champion for shareholder rights. The new internal market commissioner is Charles McCreevy, an Irishman. He’s proposing a one-share-one-vote rule across Europe. That is a huge deal. It would eliminate double voting rights, which allow certain shareholders to remain in voting control of a company, and a lot of outfits are going to be screaming.
Change agents aren’t popular, especially if they’re outsiders. Do the Europeans ever retaliate?
Oh, sure. They put me in jail in France last February. I showed up in Paris and there was a summons waiting for me at the Ritz hotel to appear at the judicial police station. The judicial police have the right to arrest you for 48 hours without notice. So I was put in a cell. What they did was take my belt, my shoelaces, and my tie so I couldn’t hang myself. After a few hours I was warned that I might be there the full 48 hours and they might extend that. It was engineered, I’m pretty sure, by someone
I had sued years ago who colored up an old dossier on me and showed it to a magistrate. The magistrate was determined to get me and told a person she interviewed about me, “This time I’m going to have his skin.” Eventually I was questioned by a very, very conscientious and well-versed police chief and I was able to convince him I’d done nothing, and he said, “M’sieu, you are free to go.” So off I went.
A few years before that, my wife and I were stopped and searched at the Paris airport—all our baggage, everything, was gone through. I knew something funny was behind it, so I had a friend of mine check with customs inspectors he knew, and they came back to my friend to tell him they had instructions to harass me at the airport. Vive la France!
Why do you keep on with this work? Aren’t there enough opportunities in the U.S.?
I think we’re on the side of the angels in most of these things. We are really doing good for the markets that we can get involved in, the companies that we’re involved in. I guess I didn’t spend four years in the Marine Corps for nothing. You get a certain attitude in the Marines where people may not like you, but they will respect you. And that’s a bit of my attitude on these things.
Bravo 1/8, 4th Tracks continue search for Katrina survivors
Submitted by: 24th MEU
Story Identification #: 200591275931
Story by Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis
NEW ORLEANS (Sept. 11, 2005) -- The empty silence of a decimated New Orleans street is broken by the call of an infantryman, "United States Marines. Is anyone in there?"
For the past six days, Marines from B Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, have been conducting search-and-rescue patrols with the help of Assault Amphibian Vehicles from 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion.
Since their arrival here Sept. 5 as part of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force St. Bernard, the Marines of 1/8 and 4th Tracks have rescued 78 residents of New Orleans' hardest-hit areas.
"We provide a unique capability to ongoing search and rescue efforts," said Maj. Henry June Jr., inspector instructor for B Company, 4th AAV Battalion, a reserve unit based out of Jacksonville, Fla. "It's very difficult for wheeled vehicles to get to the parts of the city we have been searching. We are the only tracked vehicle that can float, and that allows us to maneuver to hard-to-reach areas and disembark infantry to search."
Although initial damage from the actual hurricane was less than anticipated, the rain and surge from the storm caused several of the city's levies to break, sending a tidal wave of water into many parts of the surrounding area.
Navigating down debris-strewn city streets with up to ten feet of standing water, the Marines have been operating mostly in Orleans and St. Bernard parishes.
Having experienced hurricanes before, 2nd Lt. Keeton R. Easley, 1st Platoon commander for B Co., 1/8, said he was shocked to see the extent of the damage.
"We didn't expect it to be this bad," Easley said. "However, despite the conditions, my Marines have handled their mission with great professionalism. They have done everything that's been asked of them and more."
As some of the first rescue efforts to reach areas of the city still mostly under water, the Marines patrolled down rivers of water that used to be streets and highways, looking for signs of life and those in need of rescue.
"It's encouraging to see military personnel coming home to support the home front," June said. "Whether here in Louisiana or overseas, our mission is to support and defend the United States of America."
Due to the contamination of the water, the Marines maneuvered their amtracs along the sides of two-story buildings and the few dry patches of ground in order to get out and look for those in need.
One of Bravo's Marines, a native of near-by Slidell, said this mission had a special place in his heart.
"It means a lot because I am able to get out and help people," said Cpl. Kyle E. Gaubert, 2nd squad leader, 1st Platoon, B Co. "It feels good to be a part of this mission, and we will continue to provide any assistance we can."
After rescuing more than 70 people, the Marines of 1/8 and 4th Tracks prepare to shift their focus of effort towards clean-up and recovery.
"These Marines came down here to accomplish any mission they are given," Easley said. "I couldn't be prouder to lead a platoon, than I am to lead these Marines."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...E8?opendocument
Submitted by: 24th MEU
Story Identification #: 200591275931
Story by Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis
NEW ORLEANS (Sept. 11, 2005) -- The empty silence of a decimated New Orleans street is broken by the call of an infantryman, "United States Marines. Is anyone in there?"
For the past six days, Marines from B Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, have been conducting search-and-rescue patrols with the help of Assault Amphibian Vehicles from 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion.
Since their arrival here Sept. 5 as part of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force St. Bernard, the Marines of 1/8 and 4th Tracks have rescued 78 residents of New Orleans' hardest-hit areas.
"We provide a unique capability to ongoing search and rescue efforts," said Maj. Henry June Jr., inspector instructor for B Company, 4th AAV Battalion, a reserve unit based out of Jacksonville, Fla. "It's very difficult for wheeled vehicles to get to the parts of the city we have been searching. We are the only tracked vehicle that can float, and that allows us to maneuver to hard-to-reach areas and disembark infantry to search."
Although initial damage from the actual hurricane was less than anticipated, the rain and surge from the storm caused several of the city's levies to break, sending a tidal wave of water into many parts of the surrounding area.
Navigating down debris-strewn city streets with up to ten feet of standing water, the Marines have been operating mostly in Orleans and St. Bernard parishes.
Having experienced hurricanes before, 2nd Lt. Keeton R. Easley, 1st Platoon commander for B Co., 1/8, said he was shocked to see the extent of the damage.
"We didn't expect it to be this bad," Easley said. "However, despite the conditions, my Marines have handled their mission with great professionalism. They have done everything that's been asked of them and more."
As some of the first rescue efforts to reach areas of the city still mostly under water, the Marines patrolled down rivers of water that used to be streets and highways, looking for signs of life and those in need of rescue.
"It's encouraging to see military personnel coming home to support the home front," June said. "Whether here in Louisiana or overseas, our mission is to support and defend the United States of America."
Due to the contamination of the water, the Marines maneuvered their amtracs along the sides of two-story buildings and the few dry patches of ground in order to get out and look for those in need.
One of Bravo's Marines, a native of near-by Slidell, said this mission had a special place in his heart.
"It means a lot because I am able to get out and help people," said Cpl. Kyle E. Gaubert, 2nd squad leader, 1st Platoon, B Co. "It feels good to be a part of this mission, and we will continue to provide any assistance we can."
After rescuing more than 70 people, the Marines of 1/8 and 4th Tracks prepare to shift their focus of effort towards clean-up and recovery.
"These Marines came down here to accomplish any mission they are given," Easley said. "I couldn't be prouder to lead a platoon, than I am to lead these Marines."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...E8?opendocument
Girl fight: Depot Marine's guts show warrior's heart
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification #: 200599125558
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Dunn
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2005) -- Her disarming smile and petite figure aren't exactly warrior-esque. However, the average jarhead ought not to be deceived. This 110-pound awards clerk can hang tough, and she likes to prove it - thud after thud.
Lance Cpl. Fabiola Escobedo has been delivering and absorbing kicks and punches at a nearby fitness club almost every day since she obtained membership there a month ago. At every session, the high-octane boxing and kickboxing workouts bankrupt her energy, but she knows strength is the dividend.
"Is that all you got?" she challenged friend and workout partner Lance Cpl. Alfonso M. Moncada, who continued to kick Escobedo's hitting shield, jolting the sweat off her 5-foot, 4-inch frame. Moncada, a depot logistics Marine, said he holds no punches, but neither does Escobedo.
The 20-year-old El Paso, Texas, native grew up in Juarez, Mexico, and returned to El Paso when she was 15. She said that as a teenager, she was always active in different athletic forms such as karate, gymnastics and track. She won medals in the relay.
"As teenager, I was a very good athlete," said Escobedo. "I got the speed, but not the endurance."
She hopes exercising at The Boxing Club, a nearby franchise location on Rosecrans Street, will give her the endurance she needs to score perfectly on her next biannual physical fitness test this winter.
The crunches and the arm-hang portions of the test are cinches, but her last three-mile run time is a couple minutes shy of the maximum 21 minutes.
Escobedo has run a 21-minute before. She said she used to be in first-rate condition until a peculiar back injury in Marine Combat Training. A pack fell on her shoulders and she hasn't been the same since.
Her small, trim figure may have been part of the problem. When she joined the Marine Corps in February 2004, she required an enlistment waiver because she weighed 98 pounds, 12 pounds shy of the minimum.
Today she maintains her required weight by routinely gobbling fatty foods and carbohydrates. One day last week, she ate a breakfast burrito loaded with two eggs, potatoes, bacon, salsa and cheese, followed by two glazed doughnuts; lunch was pizza at an office party, and for an after-workout dinner, she planned a Big Mac and salad.
"I don't watch my diet," said Escobedo. "I eat a lot of junk food."
Moncada said Escobedo is a very aggressive athlete, and is not intimidated by the big guys. Her specialty is soccer, but despite her bursting abilities and adept dribbling, her size prompts coaches to limit her minutes on the field when playing against bigger opponents.
To get more playing time, Escobedo said she tried organizing her own team to compete for the depot Commanding General's Cup, but the roster she assembled carried too many conflicts of interest.
"I'm a good soccer player," said Escobedo. "Boxing will give me enough strength to start on the playing field. Soccer depends on other people to get something. Boxing is all me, and more rewarding."
So she boxes.
With DMX barking raps under the 50-foot-high ceiling, Escobedo speeds her heart rate by jumping rope before a session. An hour-long boxing workout, which incorporates cardio and strength training, will include arms, abdominals and legs - and no shortage of jabbing at the air.
She hasn't actually sparred in the ring yet, but Escobedo said she's working up to it and plans to practice against Moncada any day now.
"I saw a female fighting a guy, and I thought 'I want to do that,'" said Escobedo, her brown eyes glimmering. "I want to be like that."
The Boxing Club allows Escobedo and Moncada to train at their own paces, but the paces are fast. In a recent exercise with her workout partner, Escobedo's muscles tightened so much that she could not raise her arms to stop a medicine ball hurling toward her body.
"The workouts are very exhausting," said Escobedo. "I didn't think I would last my first time, but the trainer is very motivating. He gives so much energy even if you don't have it. He pushes you."
Escobedo will take every push - and shove, and kick, and punch. And like a warrior, she will have her strength, and she will conquer.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...01?opendocument
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification #: 200599125558
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Dunn
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2005) -- Her disarming smile and petite figure aren't exactly warrior-esque. However, the average jarhead ought not to be deceived. This 110-pound awards clerk can hang tough, and she likes to prove it - thud after thud.
Lance Cpl. Fabiola Escobedo has been delivering and absorbing kicks and punches at a nearby fitness club almost every day since she obtained membership there a month ago. At every session, the high-octane boxing and kickboxing workouts bankrupt her energy, but she knows strength is the dividend.
"Is that all you got?" she challenged friend and workout partner Lance Cpl. Alfonso M. Moncada, who continued to kick Escobedo's hitting shield, jolting the sweat off her 5-foot, 4-inch frame. Moncada, a depot logistics Marine, said he holds no punches, but neither does Escobedo.
The 20-year-old El Paso, Texas, native grew up in Juarez, Mexico, and returned to El Paso when she was 15. She said that as a teenager, she was always active in different athletic forms such as karate, gymnastics and track. She won medals in the relay.
"As teenager, I was a very good athlete," said Escobedo. "I got the speed, but not the endurance."
She hopes exercising at The Boxing Club, a nearby franchise location on Rosecrans Street, will give her the endurance she needs to score perfectly on her next biannual physical fitness test this winter.
The crunches and the arm-hang portions of the test are cinches, but her last three-mile run time is a couple minutes shy of the maximum 21 minutes.
Escobedo has run a 21-minute before. She said she used to be in first-rate condition until a peculiar back injury in Marine Combat Training. A pack fell on her shoulders and she hasn't been the same since.
Her small, trim figure may have been part of the problem. When she joined the Marine Corps in February 2004, she required an enlistment waiver because she weighed 98 pounds, 12 pounds shy of the minimum.
Today she maintains her required weight by routinely gobbling fatty foods and carbohydrates. One day last week, she ate a breakfast burrito loaded with two eggs, potatoes, bacon, salsa and cheese, followed by two glazed doughnuts; lunch was pizza at an office party, and for an after-workout dinner, she planned a Big Mac and salad.
"I don't watch my diet," said Escobedo. "I eat a lot of junk food."
Moncada said Escobedo is a very aggressive athlete, and is not intimidated by the big guys. Her specialty is soccer, but despite her bursting abilities and adept dribbling, her size prompts coaches to limit her minutes on the field when playing against bigger opponents.
To get more playing time, Escobedo said she tried organizing her own team to compete for the depot Commanding General's Cup, but the roster she assembled carried too many conflicts of interest.
"I'm a good soccer player," said Escobedo. "Boxing will give me enough strength to start on the playing field. Soccer depends on other people to get something. Boxing is all me, and more rewarding."
So she boxes.
With DMX barking raps under the 50-foot-high ceiling, Escobedo speeds her heart rate by jumping rope before a session. An hour-long boxing workout, which incorporates cardio and strength training, will include arms, abdominals and legs - and no shortage of jabbing at the air.
She hasn't actually sparred in the ring yet, but Escobedo said she's working up to it and plans to practice against Moncada any day now.
"I saw a female fighting a guy, and I thought 'I want to do that,'" said Escobedo, her brown eyes glimmering. "I want to be like that."
The Boxing Club allows Escobedo and Moncada to train at their own paces, but the paces are fast. In a recent exercise with her workout partner, Escobedo's muscles tightened so much that she could not raise her arms to stop a medicine ball hurling toward her body.
"The workouts are very exhausting," said Escobedo. "I didn't think I would last my first time, but the trainer is very motivating. He gives so much energy even if you don't have it. He pushes you."
Escobedo will take every push - and shove, and kick, and punch. And like a warrior, she will have her strength, and she will conquer.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...01?opendocument
Commandants converge on Quantico for global conference
Submitted by: MCB Quantico
Story Identification #: 200591135321
Story by Cpl. J. Agg
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va (Sept. 1, 2005) -- Marine Corps Combat Development Command hosted the World Wide Commandants Conference here Aug. 24.
The symposium, attended by more than 30 senior Marine and naval infantry leaders from around the globe, provided an executive-level forum for the discussion of current topics of interest and universally applicable processes and philosophies.
General Michael W. Hagee, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, joined his counterparts from around the world on tours of Officer Candidates School, The Basic School and Marine Corps University. Throughout the day, briefs and demonstrations by the schools, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Marine Corps Systems Command, Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate and the Marine Corps Center For Lessons Learned showed visiting leaders how the U.S. Marine Corps is meeting the challenges facing the service in the world today.
Lieutenant Gen. James N. Mattis, MCCDC commanding general and deputy commandant for combat development, said the tour of the officer training facilities at Quantico demonstrated to our allies the fundamentals of how Marine officers are made.
“We’re going to show them Officer Candidates School and The Basic School so they can see not only how we screen our officers, but how we train them so they are tactically, technically, physically, mentally and spiritually ready to lead Marines,” said Mattis.
Mattis said the conference, which also highlighted future Marine Corps warfighting concepts, such as Distributed Operations and Seabasing, will improve interoperability between the United States and her allies in the future.
“Everywhere we have fought in the last three or four years, we have fought alongside (allied forces),” said Mattis. “The more of them who we can bring here to develop the personal relationships that allow teams to work well together, and the more common understanding and appreciation of each other’s methods we have, allows for much swifter teamwork to be built on the battlefield,” said Mattis. “We’re just opening our doors to show them how we do business.”
Col. Louis N. Rachal, Officer Candidates School commanding officer, said he hoped to give the visiting commandants insight into the early development and screening of Marine lieutenants.
“They will get some insight into how we conduct the evaluation of officer candidates and the different accession sources that are available to our candidates and the fact that they come here with different backgrounds and experiences,” said Rachal. “They will have the opportunity to see that type of evaluation we conduct on them and that we look at them from three different areas: academics, leadership and physical fitness.”
Rachal said the science of conducting a candidate evaluation is easily explained, but more challenging than calculating scores is assessing a candidate’s character.
“What I want to impart to them is the art to this business,” said Rachal. “That is how you get to take a look at an individual’s character, how you take a look at an individual’s morals, and how you get a look at an individual’s principles. Can they in fact assimilate into an environment that is Marine Corps in culture, and leadership-specific for Marine Corps officers? Hopefully they will get some insight into how we execute the art of this evaluation.”
Major Gen. R.L. Zuiderwijk, commandant of the Royal Dutch Marine Corps, said he viewed the World Wide Commandants Conference as an opportunity to further strengthen ties between his service and its American counterpart.
“It’s been a long-lasting relationship,” said Zuiderwijk, a 1978 graduate of the Advanced Warfighting School here. “I definitely want to continue, because we are in the same business of expeditionary warfare. Like you, though far smaller, we’re into quickly responding and putting forces on the ground wherever necessary, and we need to retain our expeditionary mindset and also make sure we have the means to use those forces.”
Zuiderwijk said he is interested in learning more about various aspects of the U.S. Marine Corps, from career management and lessons learned in current operations to the Marines’ Esprit de Corps.
“At the moment, I’m looking for the ways you recruit, train and retain your people, and I am also very interested in the experiences of your Marine forces in Iraq, especially military operations in urban terrain,” said Zuiderwijk. “I always have very much admiration for the way you instill the essence of being a Marine into your people. To be a Marine is a very special thing, and I think all Marines have that in some way. I hope that by looking at the way you do it, I can take something of that with me so that we can maintain what we are and get young people to be as proud as we all are.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....E0?opendocument
Submitted by: MCB Quantico
Story Identification #: 200591135321
Story by Cpl. J. Agg
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va (Sept. 1, 2005) -- Marine Corps Combat Development Command hosted the World Wide Commandants Conference here Aug. 24.
The symposium, attended by more than 30 senior Marine and naval infantry leaders from around the globe, provided an executive-level forum for the discussion of current topics of interest and universally applicable processes and philosophies.
General Michael W. Hagee, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, joined his counterparts from around the world on tours of Officer Candidates School, The Basic School and Marine Corps University. Throughout the day, briefs and demonstrations by the schools, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Marine Corps Systems Command, Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate and the Marine Corps Center For Lessons Learned showed visiting leaders how the U.S. Marine Corps is meeting the challenges facing the service in the world today.
Lieutenant Gen. James N. Mattis, MCCDC commanding general and deputy commandant for combat development, said the tour of the officer training facilities at Quantico demonstrated to our allies the fundamentals of how Marine officers are made.
“We’re going to show them Officer Candidates School and The Basic School so they can see not only how we screen our officers, but how we train them so they are tactically, technically, physically, mentally and spiritually ready to lead Marines,” said Mattis.
Mattis said the conference, which also highlighted future Marine Corps warfighting concepts, such as Distributed Operations and Seabasing, will improve interoperability between the United States and her allies in the future.
“Everywhere we have fought in the last three or four years, we have fought alongside (allied forces),” said Mattis. “The more of them who we can bring here to develop the personal relationships that allow teams to work well together, and the more common understanding and appreciation of each other’s methods we have, allows for much swifter teamwork to be built on the battlefield,” said Mattis. “We’re just opening our doors to show them how we do business.”
Col. Louis N. Rachal, Officer Candidates School commanding officer, said he hoped to give the visiting commandants insight into the early development and screening of Marine lieutenants.
“They will get some insight into how we conduct the evaluation of officer candidates and the different accession sources that are available to our candidates and the fact that they come here with different backgrounds and experiences,” said Rachal. “They will have the opportunity to see that type of evaluation we conduct on them and that we look at them from three different areas: academics, leadership and physical fitness.”
Rachal said the science of conducting a candidate evaluation is easily explained, but more challenging than calculating scores is assessing a candidate’s character.
“What I want to impart to them is the art to this business,” said Rachal. “That is how you get to take a look at an individual’s character, how you take a look at an individual’s morals, and how you get a look at an individual’s principles. Can they in fact assimilate into an environment that is Marine Corps in culture, and leadership-specific for Marine Corps officers? Hopefully they will get some insight into how we execute the art of this evaluation.”
Major Gen. R.L. Zuiderwijk, commandant of the Royal Dutch Marine Corps, said he viewed the World Wide Commandants Conference as an opportunity to further strengthen ties between his service and its American counterpart.
“It’s been a long-lasting relationship,” said Zuiderwijk, a 1978 graduate of the Advanced Warfighting School here. “I definitely want to continue, because we are in the same business of expeditionary warfare. Like you, though far smaller, we’re into quickly responding and putting forces on the ground wherever necessary, and we need to retain our expeditionary mindset and also make sure we have the means to use those forces.”
Zuiderwijk said he is interested in learning more about various aspects of the U.S. Marine Corps, from career management and lessons learned in current operations to the Marines’ Esprit de Corps.
“At the moment, I’m looking for the ways you recruit, train and retain your people, and I am also very interested in the experiences of your Marine forces in Iraq, especially military operations in urban terrain,” said Zuiderwijk. “I always have very much admiration for the way you instill the essence of being a Marine into your people. To be a Marine is a very special thing, and I think all Marines have that in some way. I hope that by looking at the way you do it, I can take something of that with me so that we can maintain what we are and get young people to be as proud as we all are.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....E0?opendocument
Commandant visits Combat Center
Submitted by: MCAGCC
Story Identification #: 200588121657
Story by Cpl. Heidi E. Loredo
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (Jul. 31, 2005) -- General Michael W. Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps, and his wife, Silke, visited the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center July 29 to Aug. 2 to speak with Marines, Sailors and their families, and to observe new facilities and projects aboard the base.
During his first night aboard the Combat Center, the commandant and Mrs. Hagee took part in welcoming home 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment. Both greeted Marines and Sailors as they stepped off the bus.
The following day, the Commandant visited the simulation center, Range 200 Camp Wilson and the convoy course before he spoke to spouses at the Catholic Chapel and addressed the Marines and Sailors at the base theater.
“We are at war, and what we’re doing is important,” said Hagee to several spouses who were concerned with their husbands’ deployment. “We are going to do what is necessary to win.”
Mrs. Hagee seized the opportunity and applauded MCAGCC’s Key Volunteer Network, which includes volunteer spouses and social workers who offer support to military spouses during times of peace and war.
Immediately following his meeting in the chapel, the commandant made his way to the base theater where he met walking wounded Marines handing each of them a coin. Inside the theater he awarded six Marines on stage with three Purple Hearts and three Navy Achievement Medals with combat V.
“Twentynine Palms is a significantly important location,” said Hagee. “We are putting almost every unit that is going in harms way through here. I could not be prouder of you, and the American people could not be prouder of you. What you are doing for the Marine Corps and this great country every single day—you have set the standard of excellence.”
The commandant said he often speaks with global armed forces leaders, including the U.S. Air Force and Army.
“Every single one of them tell me, ‘we want to be just like you,’ said Hagee. “We want to be like the United States Marine Corps.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....99?opendocument
Submitted by: MCAGCC
Story Identification #: 200588121657
Story by Cpl. Heidi E. Loredo
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (Jul. 31, 2005) -- General Michael W. Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps, and his wife, Silke, visited the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center July 29 to Aug. 2 to speak with Marines, Sailors and their families, and to observe new facilities and projects aboard the base.
During his first night aboard the Combat Center, the commandant and Mrs. Hagee took part in welcoming home 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment. Both greeted Marines and Sailors as they stepped off the bus.
The following day, the Commandant visited the simulation center, Range 200 Camp Wilson and the convoy course before he spoke to spouses at the Catholic Chapel and addressed the Marines and Sailors at the base theater.
“We are at war, and what we’re doing is important,” said Hagee to several spouses who were concerned with their husbands’ deployment. “We are going to do what is necessary to win.”
Mrs. Hagee seized the opportunity and applauded MCAGCC’s Key Volunteer Network, which includes volunteer spouses and social workers who offer support to military spouses during times of peace and war.
Immediately following his meeting in the chapel, the commandant made his way to the base theater where he met walking wounded Marines handing each of them a coin. Inside the theater he awarded six Marines on stage with three Purple Hearts and three Navy Achievement Medals with combat V.
“Twentynine Palms is a significantly important location,” said Hagee. “We are putting almost every unit that is going in harms way through here. I could not be prouder of you, and the American people could not be prouder of you. What you are doing for the Marine Corps and this great country every single day—you have set the standard of excellence.”
The commandant said he often speaks with global armed forces leaders, including the U.S. Air Force and Army.
“Every single one of them tell me, ‘we want to be just like you,’ said Hagee. “We want to be like the United States Marine Corps.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....99?opendocument
Equip the man, not man the equipment:
Commandant debuts distributive operations concept
Submitted by: MCAGCC
Story Identification #: 200582612494
Story by Cpl. Heidi E. Loredo
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (Aug. 26, 2005) -- Since the beginning of the global war on terror, there have been significant changes in the way Marines fight. New technology and tactics put Marines one step ahead to gain the edge over their enemies.
A new tactical concept that will eventually train, equip and empower small unit leaders to act confidently on the mission is currently in experimental stages.
The 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, based out of Marine Corps Base, Hawaii, recently spent two weeks in classes and hands-on training conducted by the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, using this new concept.
The concept states, “We are harvesting a generation of junior officers and noncommissioned officers who are fully prepared to assume much greater authority and responsibility than is traditionally expected at the small-unit level.”
The operation gives increased decision making powers to small units, trained to a higher standard than ever before.
“Distributive Operations is an approach that will create an advantage over the opposition through the planned use of separation and coordinated interdependent, tactical actions enabled by increased functional support, as well as by enhanced combat capabilities at the small-unit level,” said John D. Manley, public affairs officer, Marine Corps Warfighting Lab.
The Corps developed distributive operations in response to the rising global threat of terrorists and insurgents.
“Marines fighting the Global War on Terrorism confront adversaries that are adaptive, decentralized and elusive,” the concept states. “In order to maintain our dominance on the battlefield, it is essential that we continuously adapt our methods of warfighting while remaining a flexible, combined arms force.”
Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael W. Hagee signed the concept for the operations in July and since then the Warfighting Lab has been developing combat initiatives that will apply to the Corps’ maneuver philosophy.
“Although the concept was signed and is an official commander’s intent, the concept is currently under experimental status. Right now we’re in our second month of an estimated 18-month experimentation phase prior to completion,” said Manley.
The concept proves that Marine small-unit leaders are often capable of making and implementing decisions despite their rank, said Manley. Concept applications provides rifle platoons, squads and fire teams the freedom to operate more independently.
In urban fighting, small units often find themselves out of communication with the rest of the battalion. They need to be able to perform many of the functions usually performed at higher levels, such as calling for fire support.
To conduct distributed operations the Corps will have to improve education, training and equipment of Marines in small combat units.
“It will require installing a patrolling culture similar to what Marines did in Vietnam when squads patrolled the area far from the rest of the battalion,” states the concept.
One man in each squad would be trained to call fire support. As of now only three Marines in each battalion are trained for such duties. Enlisted personnel would perform tasks once restricted to officers.
Reducing a squad from 14 to 12 Marines with the extra riflemen moving to Alpha and Bravo command groups would downsize the platoon. The command groups help run the platoon.
Along with the concept of training a Marine to do several jobs is supplying the Marines with the proper gear. A “rifleman’s suite” of issued equipment is also specified and includes an M-16A4 rifle with a collapsing stock more suited for urban combat, day and night rifle scopes, a bipod for improved marksmanship, a flash suppressor for better location concealment, a better bayonet, a personal radio to allow squad members to communicate over short distances without shouting, and a compass and global position system device.
A flaw noticed during the war was the communications problem seen by ground units. Marine commanders were as much as 50 miles apart from their platoons. As the area of operations became isolated, commanders needed more stable communication ability.
1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, is the first unit to experiment the concept and Manley says after their training, the Warfighting Lab will train with a unit from the 5th Marine Regiment in order to perfect the operation.
Although still in its infancy, this concept integrates a new doctrine. The force structure, training, equipment and small-unit leader development will provide commanders with a deadlier weapon–an empowered and confident Marine.
“We will preserve our tradition of being most ready when the nation is least ready,” said Hagee. “While this mission is our number one priority, we also have the responsibility to prepare for the future.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....31?opendocument
Commandant debuts distributive operations concept
Submitted by: MCAGCC
Story Identification #: 200582612494
Story by Cpl. Heidi E. Loredo
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (Aug. 26, 2005) -- Since the beginning of the global war on terror, there have been significant changes in the way Marines fight. New technology and tactics put Marines one step ahead to gain the edge over their enemies.
A new tactical concept that will eventually train, equip and empower small unit leaders to act confidently on the mission is currently in experimental stages.
The 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, based out of Marine Corps Base, Hawaii, recently spent two weeks in classes and hands-on training conducted by the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, using this new concept.
The concept states, “We are harvesting a generation of junior officers and noncommissioned officers who are fully prepared to assume much greater authority and responsibility than is traditionally expected at the small-unit level.”
The operation gives increased decision making powers to small units, trained to a higher standard than ever before.
“Distributive Operations is an approach that will create an advantage over the opposition through the planned use of separation and coordinated interdependent, tactical actions enabled by increased functional support, as well as by enhanced combat capabilities at the small-unit level,” said John D. Manley, public affairs officer, Marine Corps Warfighting Lab.
The Corps developed distributive operations in response to the rising global threat of terrorists and insurgents.
“Marines fighting the Global War on Terrorism confront adversaries that are adaptive, decentralized and elusive,” the concept states. “In order to maintain our dominance on the battlefield, it is essential that we continuously adapt our methods of warfighting while remaining a flexible, combined arms force.”
Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael W. Hagee signed the concept for the operations in July and since then the Warfighting Lab has been developing combat initiatives that will apply to the Corps’ maneuver philosophy.
“Although the concept was signed and is an official commander’s intent, the concept is currently under experimental status. Right now we’re in our second month of an estimated 18-month experimentation phase prior to completion,” said Manley.
The concept proves that Marine small-unit leaders are often capable of making and implementing decisions despite their rank, said Manley. Concept applications provides rifle platoons, squads and fire teams the freedom to operate more independently.
In urban fighting, small units often find themselves out of communication with the rest of the battalion. They need to be able to perform many of the functions usually performed at higher levels, such as calling for fire support.
To conduct distributed operations the Corps will have to improve education, training and equipment of Marines in small combat units.
“It will require installing a patrolling culture similar to what Marines did in Vietnam when squads patrolled the area far from the rest of the battalion,” states the concept.
One man in each squad would be trained to call fire support. As of now only three Marines in each battalion are trained for such duties. Enlisted personnel would perform tasks once restricted to officers.
Reducing a squad from 14 to 12 Marines with the extra riflemen moving to Alpha and Bravo command groups would downsize the platoon. The command groups help run the platoon.
Along with the concept of training a Marine to do several jobs is supplying the Marines with the proper gear. A “rifleman’s suite” of issued equipment is also specified and includes an M-16A4 rifle with a collapsing stock more suited for urban combat, day and night rifle scopes, a bipod for improved marksmanship, a flash suppressor for better location concealment, a better bayonet, a personal radio to allow squad members to communicate over short distances without shouting, and a compass and global position system device.
A flaw noticed during the war was the communications problem seen by ground units. Marine commanders were as much as 50 miles apart from their platoons. As the area of operations became isolated, commanders needed more stable communication ability.
1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, is the first unit to experiment the concept and Manley says after their training, the Warfighting Lab will train with a unit from the 5th Marine Regiment in order to perfect the operation.
Although still in its infancy, this concept integrates a new doctrine. The force structure, training, equipment and small-unit leader development will provide commanders with a deadlier weapon–an empowered and confident Marine.
“We will preserve our tradition of being most ready when the nation is least ready,” said Hagee. “While this mission is our number one priority, we also have the responsibility to prepare for the future.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....31?opendocument
United States Marine Corps
Press Release
Public Affairs Office
2nd Marine Division; Camp Blue Diamond, Ar Ramadi, Iraq
cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Contact:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Release # 0912-05-0723
Operation Cyclone begins
Sept. 11, 2005
CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Ar Ramadi, Iraq -- Iraqi Security Forces and coalition forces have launched a cordon and search operation against a known terrorist safe haven in the western Al Anbar province town of Rutbah.
Operation Zoba’a (Cyclone) began in the early morning hours with the objectives of rooting out Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQIZ) terrorists operating within the area and disrupting insurgent support systems in and around the city.
For the past several months, terrorists within Rutbah have escalated their intimidation and murder campaign against the local populace and city government officials. The resulting effect was an increased ability to move freely within the area and a base for them to launch attacks against innocent civilians, Iraqi Security Forces and coalition forces.
As with all coalition operations, strict measures are taken to prevent civilian casualties and unnecessary collateral damage to property.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...C3?opendocument
Press Release
Public Affairs Office
2nd Marine Division; Camp Blue Diamond, Ar Ramadi, Iraq
cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Contact:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Release # 0912-05-0723
Operation Cyclone begins
Sept. 11, 2005
CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Ar Ramadi, Iraq -- Iraqi Security Forces and coalition forces have launched a cordon and search operation against a known terrorist safe haven in the western Al Anbar province town of Rutbah.
Operation Zoba’a (Cyclone) began in the early morning hours with the objectives of rooting out Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQIZ) terrorists operating within the area and disrupting insurgent support systems in and around the city.
For the past several months, terrorists within Rutbah have escalated their intimidation and murder campaign against the local populace and city government officials. The resulting effect was an increased ability to move freely within the area and a base for them to launch attacks against innocent civilians, Iraqi Security Forces and coalition forces.
As with all coalition operations, strict measures are taken to prevent civilian casualties and unnecessary collateral damage to property.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...C3?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: Ramona E. Joyce
Media Relations Manager
The American Legion
1608 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 263-2982
www.legion.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Release # 0908-05-1238
Sept. 08, 2005
American Legion Service Members Could Qualify for Immediate Disaster Assistance
INDIANAPLOIS--Active duty personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserves impacted by Hurricane Katrina may qualify for immediate relief cash grants if they are current members of The American Legion.
As Legionnaires they can apply to receive up to $1500 under The American Legion's National Emergency Fund program to cover costs of food, shelter and clothing needed as the result of devastation created by the nation's largest natural disaster that affected several Gulf Coast states.
A cash grant will be immediately placed in the members credit card account upon approval to cover costs created by displacement from the storm. If the individual does not have a credit card, funds can be transferred direct to a hotel/motel to cover the cost of lodging.
"We want all Legionnaires - including our members who serve on active duty or in the National Guard or Reserves - to know that help is just a toll free call away," said National Commander Thomas L. Bock. "Our goal is rapid processing of each application to get money into the hands of our members and their families within a matter of hours."
Legionnaires can call toll-free 1-800-433-3318 to apply by phone. Another option for those with computer access is secure online application at www.legion.org <http://www.legion.org>.
The American Legion National Emergency Fund was established in 1969 in the wake of Hurricane Camille. Established by Legionnaires to provide relief to Legionnaires impacted by natural disasters, the fund has provided assistance to thousands of members.
"Given the massive scale of this disaster, I ask that all Legionnaires who have not been affected by Katrina consider donating now to the NEF," Bock said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all Americans suffering in the aftermath of this devastating hurricane. It is imperative that we contribute whatever we can to help them through this very difficult time."
Donations can be made to The American Legion National Emergency Fund also online securely at www.legion.org.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...83?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: Ramona E. Joyce
Media Relations Manager
The American Legion
1608 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 263-2982
www.legion.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Release # 0908-05-1238
Sept. 08, 2005
American Legion Service Members Could Qualify for Immediate Disaster Assistance
INDIANAPLOIS--Active duty personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserves impacted by Hurricane Katrina may qualify for immediate relief cash grants if they are current members of The American Legion.
As Legionnaires they can apply to receive up to $1500 under The American Legion's National Emergency Fund program to cover costs of food, shelter and clothing needed as the result of devastation created by the nation's largest natural disaster that affected several Gulf Coast states.
A cash grant will be immediately placed in the members credit card account upon approval to cover costs created by displacement from the storm. If the individual does not have a credit card, funds can be transferred direct to a hotel/motel to cover the cost of lodging.
"We want all Legionnaires - including our members who serve on active duty or in the National Guard or Reserves - to know that help is just a toll free call away," said National Commander Thomas L. Bock. "Our goal is rapid processing of each application to get money into the hands of our members and their families within a matter of hours."
Legionnaires can call toll-free 1-800-433-3318 to apply by phone. Another option for those with computer access is secure online application at www.legion.org <http://www.legion.org>.
The American Legion National Emergency Fund was established in 1969 in the wake of Hurricane Camille. Established by Legionnaires to provide relief to Legionnaires impacted by natural disasters, the fund has provided assistance to thousands of members.
"Given the massive scale of this disaster, I ask that all Legionnaires who have not been affected by Katrina consider donating now to the NEF," Bock said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all Americans suffering in the aftermath of this devastating hurricane. It is imperative that we contribute whatever we can to help them through this very difficult time."
Donations can be made to The American Legion National Emergency Fund also online securely at www.legion.org.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...83?opendocument
United States Marine Corps
Press Release
Public Affairs Office
Multi-National Force-West; Camp Fallujah, Iraq
cepaowo@cemnfw-iraq.usmc.mil
Contact:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Release # 0907-05-0931
Iraqi Army takes control of FOB Hotel
Sept. 6, 2005
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq -- A ceremony celebrating the transfer of authority of Forward Operating Base Hotel and the anniversary of the end of hostile activities in Najaf was held at Forward Operating Base Hotel today.
Members of 1st Battalion, 198th Armor, 155th Brigade Combat Team, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) transferred authority of FOB Hotel, Najaf, Iraq, to the 1st Brigade, 8th Division of the Iraqi Army. Coalition force dignitaries, Iraqi Army commanders and Iraqi government officials were in attendance.
“It is a great day for the people of Najaf and the nation of Iraq. We have trained and worked long hours to reach this moment,” said Colonel Sa’adi, commander, 1st Brigade, 8th Division of the Iraqi Army.
The 1st Battalion, 198th Armor has assisted the people of Najaf since mid-January. Thirty-one projects, costing approximately $7.5 million, were funded to support the Provincial Reconstruction Development Committee. The projects included water and sanitation, education, transportation, humanitarian assistance, telecommunications, law and governance.
There are currently 75 projects emphasizing electricity, water, sanitation and healthcare in progress, totaling $37.8 million.
The Commander’s Emergency Response Program, which focuses on emergency repairs of critical facilities and infrastructure shortfalls, funded 227 projects at a cost of $6 million.
“Over the past several months we have witnessed a new birth of freedom and prosperity in this great city and believe that Najaf will continue to grow and flourish under the protection of the Iraqi Security Forces represented here today,” said Lt. Col. James E. Oliver, commander, 1st Battalion, 198th Armor and coalition forces in Najaf.
“The Iraqi Security Forces of Najaf are well-trained, professional and dedicated to the protection and well being of the citizens of this city.”
The1st Battalion, 198th Armor will relocate to bases throughout the 155th BCT area of operations. Sufficient forces will be available to offer any assistance requested by the Iraqi Security Forces in control of Najaf and the surrounding area.
The 155th BCT is a U.S. Army unit assigned to the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...DE?opendocument
Press Release
Public Affairs Office
Multi-National Force-West; Camp Fallujah, Iraq
cepaowo@cemnfw-iraq.usmc.mil
Contact:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Release # 0907-05-0931
Iraqi Army takes control of FOB Hotel
Sept. 6, 2005
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq -- A ceremony celebrating the transfer of authority of Forward Operating Base Hotel and the anniversary of the end of hostile activities in Najaf was held at Forward Operating Base Hotel today.
Members of 1st Battalion, 198th Armor, 155th Brigade Combat Team, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) transferred authority of FOB Hotel, Najaf, Iraq, to the 1st Brigade, 8th Division of the Iraqi Army. Coalition force dignitaries, Iraqi Army commanders and Iraqi government officials were in attendance.
“It is a great day for the people of Najaf and the nation of Iraq. We have trained and worked long hours to reach this moment,” said Colonel Sa’adi, commander, 1st Brigade, 8th Division of the Iraqi Army.
The 1st Battalion, 198th Armor has assisted the people of Najaf since mid-January. Thirty-one projects, costing approximately $7.5 million, were funded to support the Provincial Reconstruction Development Committee. The projects included water and sanitation, education, transportation, humanitarian assistance, telecommunications, law and governance.
There are currently 75 projects emphasizing electricity, water, sanitation and healthcare in progress, totaling $37.8 million.
The Commander’s Emergency Response Program, which focuses on emergency repairs of critical facilities and infrastructure shortfalls, funded 227 projects at a cost of $6 million.
“Over the past several months we have witnessed a new birth of freedom and prosperity in this great city and believe that Najaf will continue to grow and flourish under the protection of the Iraqi Security Forces represented here today,” said Lt. Col. James E. Oliver, commander, 1st Battalion, 198th Armor and coalition forces in Najaf.
“The Iraqi Security Forces of Najaf are well-trained, professional and dedicated to the protection and well being of the citizens of this city.”
The1st Battalion, 198th Armor will relocate to bases throughout the 155th BCT area of operations. Sufficient forces will be available to offer any assistance requested by the Iraqi Security Forces in control of Najaf and the surrounding area.
The 155th BCT is a U.S. Army unit assigned to the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...DE?opendocument
As U.S. Tries to Secure an Iraqi Town, Insurgents Respond
By MICHAEL MOSS
Published: September 6, 2005
FARIS, Iraq - The American military recently moved into this small town 10 miles south of Falluja, one of the most violent locales in Iraq, to secure it for the coming elections, and the insurgents took all of a day to respond. They fired a rocket that missed the Americans and landed instead in a nearby playground, killing a 12-year-old boy and wounding eight other children.
Skip to next paragraph
Enlarge This Image
Benjamin Lowy/Corbis, for The New York Times
An Iraqi soldier stood guard at a checkpoint outside Faris. The Iraqi troops are backed by American marines.
Forum: The Transition in Iraq
"We were playing football," Ahmed Hamad Ali, also 12, said from his hospital bed the next day. "They made a big bombing."
Some residents are directing their anger not at the insurgents but at the marines, whose arrival, they say, drew the attack.
"They are like two people chasing each other," Baha Abbod, 28, a teacher.
It is hardly an unknown reaction in Iraq, where many civilians have been killed and wounded in cross-fire. But the military is bracing for a surge of situations like this one as American and Iraqi forces race to establish security for the referendum on the new Iraqi constitution to be held on Oct. 15.
"Security preparations in support of the referendum are under way throughout Iraq," said Brig. Gen. Donald Alston, a military spokesman in Baghdad.
The Marine operation was created to re-establish the presence of the Iraqi police in this town and a nearby village, Ameriya, which sits on the Euphrates River south of Falluja. The area is dominated by Sunni Arabs, who have balked at joining the Kurds and most Shiite factions in accepting the proposed constitution.
Faris and Ameriya have been without police officers since February, when the police force collapsed in the face of withering attacks by insurgents, who then used the communities as safe havens from which to mount their attacks, Marine officers said, and to intimidate civilians.
The roads from Falluja to Faris are pockmarked by craters left by makeshift bombs - improvised explosive devices, in military jargon - and on the wall at one checkpoint a scrawl in black paint urges American troops to stay alert: "Someone out there wants to kill you. Are you going to give them the chance?"
A few minutes after driving past the sign, Sgt. Tim Lawson, 24, from Shaver Lake, Calif., swerved his armored Humvee onto the shoulder as he pointed across the road to an upturned chunk of asphalt. "There's a possible I.E.D. there," he said.
Faris started out as a planned community built in the 1980's to house 30,000 engineers and others who worked in nearby munitions factories; those have been converted to construction facilities.
The marines set up headquarters in an abandoned building here and in a new house in Ameriya. For a few days they worked with no air-conditioning in 115-degree heat, with little running water and exposure to higher buildings nearby. They surrounded their buildings with giant dirt-filled wire mesh containers called Hescos and posted lookouts on the roofs.
A contingent of newly trained Iraqi troops is with the marines, building patrol experience, and they appeared poised and enthusiastic in their new uniforms and American-made body armor.
"Psst," Mustafa Kamil, 24, one of the Iraqi team leaders, said to another soldier as they moved through Ameriya in a staggered formation. "Replace me here, quickly."
He was a soldier in Saddam Hussein's army, earning about $2 a month in dinars, and after a spell cleaning streets during the start of the war, he joined the new Iraqi Army in April of last year. As an officer, he earns more than $300 a month.
He said he worried that the 24 Iraqi soldiers who had arrived in Ameriya would not be able to hold the area when the marines left. Ultimately, the marines say, they want to turn these communities over to the Iraqi police, who may face the greatest danger. Perhaps as a warning, insurgents bombed the empty police station in Ameriya.
The marines say they feel welcome in Faris and Ameriya, compared with the hostility they sensed in some other Iraqi locales where they established camps. Cpl. Brian Andrews, 24, from Austin, Tex., said the townsfolk were "very accepting of the coalition forces, at least to the naked eye."
But the rocket attack, which struck on the last weekend of August, devastated many in Faris.
Younis H. Johan, assistant director of the town's hospital, said the rocket had killed Omar Muaid, 12, whose chest and abdomen had been ripped open by the blast. He died 10 minutes after arriving at the hospital. Eight others were wounded, four of them significantly, Mr. Johan said.
"We had casualties before, but during the last month, when U.S. troops came to the area, there has started to be more," he said. "I expect a rise, pressure on the hospital."
Mr. Abbod, the teacher, says that residents who have family elsewhere will leave until the situation improves, and that even some grim places now seem attractive. His neighbor, he said, has gone to Falluja.
At the town's hospital on Aug. 29 , a Marine captain visited one of the boys wounded in the attack and vowed to find the insurgents who had fired the rocket. But as the boy's father, Qutaiba Fajir, 42, a officer in the Iraqi Army, watched the Marine officer walk from the room, he said, "We hope they leave."
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/06/internat...st/06faris.html
By MICHAEL MOSS
Published: September 6, 2005
FARIS, Iraq - The American military recently moved into this small town 10 miles south of Falluja, one of the most violent locales in Iraq, to secure it for the coming elections, and the insurgents took all of a day to respond. They fired a rocket that missed the Americans and landed instead in a nearby playground, killing a 12-year-old boy and wounding eight other children.
Skip to next paragraph
Enlarge This Image
Benjamin Lowy/Corbis, for The New York Times
An Iraqi soldier stood guard at a checkpoint outside Faris. The Iraqi troops are backed by American marines.
Forum: The Transition in Iraq
"We were playing football," Ahmed Hamad Ali, also 12, said from his hospital bed the next day. "They made a big bombing."
Some residents are directing their anger not at the insurgents but at the marines, whose arrival, they say, drew the attack.
"They are like two people chasing each other," Baha Abbod, 28, a teacher.
It is hardly an unknown reaction in Iraq, where many civilians have been killed and wounded in cross-fire. But the military is bracing for a surge of situations like this one as American and Iraqi forces race to establish security for the referendum on the new Iraqi constitution to be held on Oct. 15.
"Security preparations in support of the referendum are under way throughout Iraq," said Brig. Gen. Donald Alston, a military spokesman in Baghdad.
The Marine operation was created to re-establish the presence of the Iraqi police in this town and a nearby village, Ameriya, which sits on the Euphrates River south of Falluja. The area is dominated by Sunni Arabs, who have balked at joining the Kurds and most Shiite factions in accepting the proposed constitution.
Faris and Ameriya have been without police officers since February, when the police force collapsed in the face of withering attacks by insurgents, who then used the communities as safe havens from which to mount their attacks, Marine officers said, and to intimidate civilians.
The roads from Falluja to Faris are pockmarked by craters left by makeshift bombs - improvised explosive devices, in military jargon - and on the wall at one checkpoint a scrawl in black paint urges American troops to stay alert: "Someone out there wants to kill you. Are you going to give them the chance?"
A few minutes after driving past the sign, Sgt. Tim Lawson, 24, from Shaver Lake, Calif., swerved his armored Humvee onto the shoulder as he pointed across the road to an upturned chunk of asphalt. "There's a possible I.E.D. there," he said.
Faris started out as a planned community built in the 1980's to house 30,000 engineers and others who worked in nearby munitions factories; those have been converted to construction facilities.
The marines set up headquarters in an abandoned building here and in a new house in Ameriya. For a few days they worked with no air-conditioning in 115-degree heat, with little running water and exposure to higher buildings nearby. They surrounded their buildings with giant dirt-filled wire mesh containers called Hescos and posted lookouts on the roofs.
A contingent of newly trained Iraqi troops is with the marines, building patrol experience, and they appeared poised and enthusiastic in their new uniforms and American-made body armor.
"Psst," Mustafa Kamil, 24, one of the Iraqi team leaders, said to another soldier as they moved through Ameriya in a staggered formation. "Replace me here, quickly."
He was a soldier in Saddam Hussein's army, earning about $2 a month in dinars, and after a spell cleaning streets during the start of the war, he joined the new Iraqi Army in April of last year. As an officer, he earns more than $300 a month.
He said he worried that the 24 Iraqi soldiers who had arrived in Ameriya would not be able to hold the area when the marines left. Ultimately, the marines say, they want to turn these communities over to the Iraqi police, who may face the greatest danger. Perhaps as a warning, insurgents bombed the empty police station in Ameriya.
The marines say they feel welcome in Faris and Ameriya, compared with the hostility they sensed in some other Iraqi locales where they established camps. Cpl. Brian Andrews, 24, from Austin, Tex., said the townsfolk were "very accepting of the coalition forces, at least to the naked eye."
But the rocket attack, which struck on the last weekend of August, devastated many in Faris.
Younis H. Johan, assistant director of the town's hospital, said the rocket had killed Omar Muaid, 12, whose chest and abdomen had been ripped open by the blast. He died 10 minutes after arriving at the hospital. Eight others were wounded, four of them significantly, Mr. Johan said.
"We had casualties before, but during the last month, when U.S. troops came to the area, there has started to be more," he said. "I expect a rise, pressure on the hospital."
Mr. Abbod, the teacher, says that residents who have family elsewhere will leave until the situation improves, and that even some grim places now seem attractive. His neighbor, he said, has gone to Falluja.
At the town's hospital on Aug. 29 , a Marine captain visited one of the boys wounded in the attack and vowed to find the insurgents who had fired the rocket. But as the boy's father, Qutaiba Fajir, 42, a officer in the Iraqi Army, watched the Marine officer walk from the room, he said, "We hope they leave."
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/06/internat...st/06faris.html
31st MEU ACE ensures birds stay fit
Submitted by: 31st MEU
Story Identification #: 200591264025
Story by Cpl. Will Lathrop
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 12, 2005) -- Marines with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (Reinforced), the aviation combat element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, continuously perform necessary maintenance tasks on a day-to-day basis ensuring the combat readiness of the MEU’s aircraft.
From airframe maintainers to corrosion control specialists, tool room Marines to aviation electronics technicians, the Marines of HMM-262 (Rein) spend countless hours diligently poring every bolt, wire and moving part on each helicopter in the squadron.
The ACE possess a variety of aircraft in its arsenal, including the CH-53D Sea Stallion heavy-lift helicopter, the CH-46E Sea Knight medium helicopter, the UH-1N Huey, AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter, and AV-8B Harrier, all of which require time under a wrench to double check every piece of the aircraft.
According to Cpl. Erik Santos, a 24-year-old aviation electronics technician for Hueys and Cobras and Pasadena, Calif. native, daily maintenance is an essential part of keeping birds in the air.
“Our daily tasks vary depending on the aircraft,” Santos said. “Whether it’s changing light bulbs or replacing wires, we’re constantly looking for the smallest detail that could hinder an aircraft’s performance.”
Hazard-awareness posters are plastered all over the ACE’s hangar, warning maintenance Marines about the threat of objects damaging aircraft. Tools left inside an aircraft’s body or a trash bag sucked into the intake of a bird can adversely affect, and possibly severely damage, an aircraft.
“People refer to all of our inspections as merely ‘safety precautions,’ when in reality it’s saving people’s lives by keeping the birds up to speed,” said Sgt. Kevin Anderson, a 23-year-old Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. native and aviation electronics technician for CH-53Es.
But safety concerns aren’t just limited to the aircraft, said Sgt. Dustin H. Vagedes. Vagedes, a 23-year-old Sidney, Ohio native, is an aviation life support systems technician.
His responsibilities include accounting for and maintaining the gear used by flight crews such as helmets, life rafts and the survival packs carried by personnel onboard.
“Every time a piece of gear comes back, we thoroughly inspect it for wear and tear to see if
it needs to be replaced,” Vagedes said.
Safety falls on the shoulders of the aircraft’s crew chiefs as well, such as Sgt. Adrian Gay, a crew chief for Hueys.
“As crew chiefs, we inspect every inch of the birds before and after each flight,” said Gay, a 25-year-old Greshan, Ore. native.
The result of the combined efforts of all of the ACE maintenance Marines is a total of 33,798 hours of incident-free flying.
The ACE is currently supporting the MEU during their MEU Exercise as it prepares itself to become special operations capable, making the MEU prepared to respond to any contingency in the Asia-Pacific region and in the Global War on Terrorism.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...E1?opendocument
Submitted by: 31st MEU
Story Identification #: 200591264025
Story by Cpl. Will Lathrop
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 12, 2005) -- Marines with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (Reinforced), the aviation combat element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, continuously perform necessary maintenance tasks on a day-to-day basis ensuring the combat readiness of the MEU’s aircraft.
From airframe maintainers to corrosion control specialists, tool room Marines to aviation electronics technicians, the Marines of HMM-262 (Rein) spend countless hours diligently poring every bolt, wire and moving part on each helicopter in the squadron.
The ACE possess a variety of aircraft in its arsenal, including the CH-53D Sea Stallion heavy-lift helicopter, the CH-46E Sea Knight medium helicopter, the UH-1N Huey, AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter, and AV-8B Harrier, all of which require time under a wrench to double check every piece of the aircraft.
According to Cpl. Erik Santos, a 24-year-old aviation electronics technician for Hueys and Cobras and Pasadena, Calif. native, daily maintenance is an essential part of keeping birds in the air.
“Our daily tasks vary depending on the aircraft,” Santos said. “Whether it’s changing light bulbs or replacing wires, we’re constantly looking for the smallest detail that could hinder an aircraft’s performance.”
Hazard-awareness posters are plastered all over the ACE’s hangar, warning maintenance Marines about the threat of objects damaging aircraft. Tools left inside an aircraft’s body or a trash bag sucked into the intake of a bird can adversely affect, and possibly severely damage, an aircraft.
“People refer to all of our inspections as merely ‘safety precautions,’ when in reality it’s saving people’s lives by keeping the birds up to speed,” said Sgt. Kevin Anderson, a 23-year-old Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. native and aviation electronics technician for CH-53Es.
But safety concerns aren’t just limited to the aircraft, said Sgt. Dustin H. Vagedes. Vagedes, a 23-year-old Sidney, Ohio native, is an aviation life support systems technician.
His responsibilities include accounting for and maintaining the gear used by flight crews such as helmets, life rafts and the survival packs carried by personnel onboard.
“Every time a piece of gear comes back, we thoroughly inspect it for wear and tear to see if
it needs to be replaced,” Vagedes said.
Safety falls on the shoulders of the aircraft’s crew chiefs as well, such as Sgt. Adrian Gay, a crew chief for Hueys.
“As crew chiefs, we inspect every inch of the birds before and after each flight,” said Gay, a 25-year-old Greshan, Ore. native.
The result of the combined efforts of all of the ACE maintenance Marines is a total of 33,798 hours of incident-free flying.
The ACE is currently supporting the MEU during their MEU Exercise as it prepares itself to become special operations capable, making the MEU prepared to respond to any contingency in the Asia-Pacific region and in the Global War on Terrorism.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...E1?opendocument
Not just another day on the job for one Marine in Iraq
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 20059975156
Story by Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Sept. 9, 2005) -- When the sun dawns on Observation Post 4, one Marine knows it’s another day on the job, but unlike other Marines, his job requires wearing many different hats.
Corporal Patrick S. Putt, a Nashville, Tenn., native and assault man with Headquarters Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, has only been in the Marine Corps a little over two years, but has more experience than most Marines do with twice the time in.
“The Headquarters Platoon Marines and I do what we can so that the line company Marines have an easier time completing their missions,” the 2003 Glencliff High School graduate stated.
Having been deployed last year with the battalion as an assault man in Weapons Platoon and seeing his fair share of firefights and engagements, Putt wanted to expand his knowledge of the Marine Corps.
On his second go around, Putt was given a different role that might not be as flashy, but is every bit as crucial to the company functioning at 100 percent. His primary job for this deployment is as a company clerk. He works on tracking attachments as they come and go from the company, making sure they have all the information they need if injuries occur. He also tracks how many Marines are in the company so that the chain of command also knows.
“It can get a little boring and tedious compared to what I did on the last deployment, but I still know that I am helping the Marines in the company out,” Putt said.
Putt has also been given the role of platoon sergeant and has to make sure all the Marines under him have what they need and aren’t missing any of the gear they use on a daily basis.
“There are not a lot of Marines in my platoon, but we make it easier on the rest of the Marines to keep their heads in the game,” Putt explained.
Not all of Putt’s time will be spent indoors because of an engineer class that he attended. When needed, Putt is able to do some basic demolitions while the Marines are conducting raids on nearby villages.
As a demolitions expert, he sometimes uses explosives to destroy small barriers and remove doors to gain access to certain areas if necessary. Since only two in the company are trained to do this, it makes Putt a valuable asset in the fight.
“I know many Marines who like to see stuff get blown up; the great part is I am going to be one of the Marines who gets to do it this time,” Putt stated.
Gaining knowledge about a variety of different jobs in the Marine Corps can give someone new ways to look at things. Putt will continue to expand his knowledge of the Corps until he decides it is time to take another path.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....0D?opendocument
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 20059975156
Story by Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Sept. 9, 2005) -- When the sun dawns on Observation Post 4, one Marine knows it’s another day on the job, but unlike other Marines, his job requires wearing many different hats.
Corporal Patrick S. Putt, a Nashville, Tenn., native and assault man with Headquarters Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, has only been in the Marine Corps a little over two years, but has more experience than most Marines do with twice the time in.
“The Headquarters Platoon Marines and I do what we can so that the line company Marines have an easier time completing their missions,” the 2003 Glencliff High School graduate stated.
Having been deployed last year with the battalion as an assault man in Weapons Platoon and seeing his fair share of firefights and engagements, Putt wanted to expand his knowledge of the Marine Corps.
On his second go around, Putt was given a different role that might not be as flashy, but is every bit as crucial to the company functioning at 100 percent. His primary job for this deployment is as a company clerk. He works on tracking attachments as they come and go from the company, making sure they have all the information they need if injuries occur. He also tracks how many Marines are in the company so that the chain of command also knows.
“It can get a little boring and tedious compared to what I did on the last deployment, but I still know that I am helping the Marines in the company out,” Putt said.
Putt has also been given the role of platoon sergeant and has to make sure all the Marines under him have what they need and aren’t missing any of the gear they use on a daily basis.
“There are not a lot of Marines in my platoon, but we make it easier on the rest of the Marines to keep their heads in the game,” Putt explained.
Not all of Putt’s time will be spent indoors because of an engineer class that he attended. When needed, Putt is able to do some basic demolitions while the Marines are conducting raids on nearby villages.
As a demolitions expert, he sometimes uses explosives to destroy small barriers and remove doors to gain access to certain areas if necessary. Since only two in the company are trained to do this, it makes Putt a valuable asset in the fight.
“I know many Marines who like to see stuff get blown up; the great part is I am going to be one of the Marines who gets to do it this time,” Putt stated.
Gaining knowledge about a variety of different jobs in the Marine Corps can give someone new ways to look at things. Putt will continue to expand his knowledge of the Corps until he decides it is time to take another path.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....0D?opendocument
HMH-464 transports special Vatican envoy
Submitted by: MCAS New River
Story Identification #: 2005913134445
Story by Lance Cpl. Brandon M. Gale
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (Sept. 13, 2005) -- Marines from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-464 provided transportation to a special envoy sent by Pope Benedict XVI to survey the damage left by Hurricane Katrina and to bring a message of condolence to the people of the Gulf Coast.
According to Bishop John H. Ricard, bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola, Fla., the pope expressed deep concern when he heard news reports of the tragedy, and by sending Archbishop Paul Josef Cordes as a personal representative to the region, he hopes to show solidarity between the victims and the rest of the world.
“In addition to reporting back to the pope on the things he sees, Archbishop Cordes is also the head of the council which oversees the Church’s charity institutions, so he will also determine the best way to aid in the relief effort,” he said.
The “Condors” of HMH-464 got involved in the mission because the air space over the area is still restricted to military and rescue flights, so Cordes and his entourage had no other means of transportation, said Lt. Col. Paul Power, HMH-464 commanding officer.
Three CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters from HMH-464 were attached to HMH-461 (-) rein. for its deployment in support of Joint Task Force Katrina.
“Apart from rescuing people and dropping off food and water, bringing in this kind
relief society so they can get a first-hand look at the devastation and meet with the local
charities is the most important thing we can do,” said Power. “We can bring these people together and link them internationally.”
HMH-464’s mission was to pick up Cordes, who was joined by Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, archbishop of Washington D.C., and Alfred C. Hughes, archbishop of New Orleans, along with several other bishops, priests and assistants, in Baton Rouge, La., and fly them to Biloxi, Miss., where they met with local officials and visited parishes damaged by the storm.
During the flight to and from Biloxi, Cordes and his entourage had the opportunity to see the vast amount of destruction the hurricane brought, including views of New Orleans and Gulfport, Miss.
This trip marked the first time a papal envoy has visited the United States for the purpose of disaster relief, said Navy Lt. Charles D. McCormick, Marine Aircraft Group-29 chaplain.
“I think they were all amazed at what they saw,” he said. “Not only at the devastation, but at how we as a country have been taking care of each other. We are a very caring people.”
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...31?opendocument
Submitted by: MCAS New River
Story Identification #: 2005913134445
Story by Lance Cpl. Brandon M. Gale
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (Sept. 13, 2005) -- Marines from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-464 provided transportation to a special envoy sent by Pope Benedict XVI to survey the damage left by Hurricane Katrina and to bring a message of condolence to the people of the Gulf Coast.
According to Bishop John H. Ricard, bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola, Fla., the pope expressed deep concern when he heard news reports of the tragedy, and by sending Archbishop Paul Josef Cordes as a personal representative to the region, he hopes to show solidarity between the victims and the rest of the world.
“In addition to reporting back to the pope on the things he sees, Archbishop Cordes is also the head of the council which oversees the Church’s charity institutions, so he will also determine the best way to aid in the relief effort,” he said.
The “Condors” of HMH-464 got involved in the mission because the air space over the area is still restricted to military and rescue flights, so Cordes and his entourage had no other means of transportation, said Lt. Col. Paul Power, HMH-464 commanding officer.
Three CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters from HMH-464 were attached to HMH-461 (-) rein. for its deployment in support of Joint Task Force Katrina.
“Apart from rescuing people and dropping off food and water, bringing in this kind
relief society so they can get a first-hand look at the devastation and meet with the local
charities is the most important thing we can do,” said Power. “We can bring these people together and link them internationally.”
HMH-464’s mission was to pick up Cordes, who was joined by Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, archbishop of Washington D.C., and Alfred C. Hughes, archbishop of New Orleans, along with several other bishops, priests and assistants, in Baton Rouge, La., and fly them to Biloxi, Miss., where they met with local officials and visited parishes damaged by the storm.
During the flight to and from Biloxi, Cordes and his entourage had the opportunity to see the vast amount of destruction the hurricane brought, including views of New Orleans and Gulfport, Miss.
This trip marked the first time a papal envoy has visited the United States for the purpose of disaster relief, said Navy Lt. Charles D. McCormick, Marine Aircraft Group-29 chaplain.
“I think they were all amazed at what they saw,” he said. “Not only at the devastation, but at how we as a country have been taking care of each other. We are a very caring people.”
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...31?opendocument
Teamwork can pay off in spades
Submitted by: Marine Forces Pacific
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. R. Drew Hendricks
Story Identification #: 2005914151135
COMBINED MARINE FORCES COMMAND, CAMP BARAN, Korea (Sep. 14, 2005) -- After working and living together for an extended period of time, people start to form certain bonds. They start to see and understand qualities that they share and even learn to understand what the other is thinking.
If used correctly, this bond can form a very successful team.
Lance Cpl. Kentrell Allen and Lance Cpl Kalil Bruce, cousins and cooks in the Corps, have created just such a team.
Roommates before boot camp, today they share a stove in one of the Marine Corps’ galleys.
Having spent their entire careers and much of their lives together, they have had time to develop their own cooking style.
They have served up gourmet rations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
“There is a set 30-day-menu that we have to use,” said Allen a New Orleans, La. native. “We add our own spice to the recipe as often as we can, though.”
Adding their own flare to the normal Corps-style cooking has gained them a few liberties.
“If we make something well and the others like it, they allow us to get the supplies needed to make it and we get to add it to the menu,” said Bruce, a Brooklyn, N.Y. native.
According to Allen and Bruce, their hands are even more free to be creative with their cuisine during exercises and deployments like Ulchi Focus Lens-05.
In the rear, at the chow hall, we have to stick to the menu except for special occasions,” said Bruce. “Out here though, we get to do our own thing.”
With Bruce and Allen, there are only two chefs in the kitchen, and no one else.
“When it’s our turn to cook, no one else comes in our galley,” said Allen.
The buzz around the camp is one of satisfaction. “There aren’t too many complaints about the food, which is a rarity,” according to Cpl. Jeffrey Hlavaty, a mail clerk at Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, who volunteered to work as a messman during UFL-05.
“The food is surprisingly good. I enjoy it, it’s better than a lot of other chow I have eaten in the field,” said Hlavaty.
Besides being excellent cooks, Bruce and Allen have trounced everyone they have come against in spades.
From tournaments in the deserts of Kuwait to the bowels of the USS Essex (LHD-2), no one seems to be able to match their play.
“Now I can’t say we have never been beaten, but the last time I remember getting beat was in a best out of three, we lost one and won the other two,” Allen said between laughs.
Spades is a tradition here. It brings Marines of all ranks to the table, laughing, joking and trash talking.
“Chances are if Marines are playing spades here, Bruce and Allen have beaten them,” said Sgt. Wayne Welty, a security specialist Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.
According to Bruce and Allen, their success in both cooking and spades is due to their ability to work together as a team.
“The ability to understand your teammate perfectly is what makes you a success,” said Allen. “I can tell when Kalil is lying because he gets this stupid look on his face, and he knows what I’m going to do before I even do it.”
Everyone at Camp Baran who has challenged the boys from the Bronx and the Bayou has felt the sting of their teamwork.
“In spades you have to be able to understand your teammate, that’s the only way to win. Those two seem to be inside each other’s head,” said Welty.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....52?OpenDocument
Submitted by: Marine Forces Pacific
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. R. Drew Hendricks
Story Identification #: 2005914151135
COMBINED MARINE FORCES COMMAND, CAMP BARAN, Korea (Sep. 14, 2005) -- After working and living together for an extended period of time, people start to form certain bonds. They start to see and understand qualities that they share and even learn to understand what the other is thinking.
If used correctly, this bond can form a very successful team.
Lance Cpl. Kentrell Allen and Lance Cpl Kalil Bruce, cousins and cooks in the Corps, have created just such a team.
Roommates before boot camp, today they share a stove in one of the Marine Corps’ galleys.
Having spent their entire careers and much of their lives together, they have had time to develop their own cooking style.
They have served up gourmet rations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
“There is a set 30-day-menu that we have to use,” said Allen a New Orleans, La. native. “We add our own spice to the recipe as often as we can, though.”
Adding their own flare to the normal Corps-style cooking has gained them a few liberties.
“If we make something well and the others like it, they allow us to get the supplies needed to make it and we get to add it to the menu,” said Bruce, a Brooklyn, N.Y. native.
According to Allen and Bruce, their hands are even more free to be creative with their cuisine during exercises and deployments like Ulchi Focus Lens-05.
In the rear, at the chow hall, we have to stick to the menu except for special occasions,” said Bruce. “Out here though, we get to do our own thing.”
With Bruce and Allen, there are only two chefs in the kitchen, and no one else.
“When it’s our turn to cook, no one else comes in our galley,” said Allen.
The buzz around the camp is one of satisfaction. “There aren’t too many complaints about the food, which is a rarity,” according to Cpl. Jeffrey Hlavaty, a mail clerk at Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, who volunteered to work as a messman during UFL-05.
“The food is surprisingly good. I enjoy it, it’s better than a lot of other chow I have eaten in the field,” said Hlavaty.
Besides being excellent cooks, Bruce and Allen have trounced everyone they have come against in spades.
From tournaments in the deserts of Kuwait to the bowels of the USS Essex (LHD-2), no one seems to be able to match their play.
“Now I can’t say we have never been beaten, but the last time I remember getting beat was in a best out of three, we lost one and won the other two,” Allen said between laughs.
Spades is a tradition here. It brings Marines of all ranks to the table, laughing, joking and trash talking.
“Chances are if Marines are playing spades here, Bruce and Allen have beaten them,” said Sgt. Wayne Welty, a security specialist Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.
According to Bruce and Allen, their success in both cooking and spades is due to their ability to work together as a team.
“The ability to understand your teammate perfectly is what makes you a success,” said Allen. “I can tell when Kalil is lying because he gets this stupid look on his face, and he knows what I’m going to do before I even do it.”
Everyone at Camp Baran who has challenged the boys from the Bronx and the Bayou has felt the sting of their teamwork.
“In spades you have to be able to understand your teammate, that’s the only way to win. Those two seem to be inside each other’s head,” said Welty.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....52?OpenDocument
Marine shows warrior spirit on, off duty
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 200591534721
Story by Cpl. Martin R. Harris
CHATAN, OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 16, 2005) -- Spending late nights burning up keyboards with lighting fast keystrokes is the scenario many Marines may think of when the title data network specialist comes up in conversation. For one of these information warriors, his battles are not only fought in the virtual world, but also in a dimly lit and humid dojo here in Okinawa.
Lance Cpl. German Reyes, a data network specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, is one Marine with a warrior mentality who's nights are spent in a very different scene. Reyes takes full advantage of being stationed overseas by immersing himself in martial arts.
"The competition is what draws me to martial arts," the 190-pound Reyes said. "It's not barbaric at all; it's about skill and discipline. I love fighting because it's like a chess game between two men."
After wrestling in high school Reyes studied Brazilian ju-jitsu while attending the Illinois Institute of Art for graphic design in Chicago. At 20, he started his martial arts training before entering the Marine Corps.
"After wrestling in high school there is really no other route to take but to start either fighting full contact or ju-jitsu," said the windy city native. "I just happened to know someone who was into ju-jitsu, so I started going to tournaments and matches. I lost a lot at first, but then I started to get the hang of it."
Upon arriving at Okinawa, Reyes found the Kamikaze Fighting Gym near Camp Foster and began training in kickboxing as well as submission wrestling, which is similar to ju-jitsu.
Training for approximately two hours, four or five times a week, consumes a considerable amount of free time, but training so much has its benefits, explained Reyes.
"Coming to the gym is something that is relaxing and keeps me in good shape," Reyes said. "It gets me out of the barracks and gives me an opportunity to interact with the Okinawan people."
A positive and respectful personality is something that is important for a fighter, explained Hiromitsu Okunishi, Reyes' trainer.
"Reyes is a really good person inside," Okunishi said. "His aura comes out when you meet him. He is very friendly and respects and cares about others; this is very important for a person to be a good fighter."
There is added responsibility to be respectful and good-natured while living and working, as well as competitively fighting while in a host country, explained Reyes.
"It's very important that we keep a good relationship with the Okinawan people," Reyes said. "Many times, we are the only Americans they meet, so their view of America is a direct reflection of our actions."
Reyes' outgoing personality is something that not only helps him succeed while fighting inside the ring, but also at work, explained Lance Cpl. Chris Garrow, Reyes' training partner and coworker.
"He has a 'get things done' attitude," Garrow said. "He takes a leadership role in whatever he does. He just sets things up. If we are planning to go on a trip to explore something new, he is the one planning it."
Some could consider Reyes to be a fine example of the way a Marine should handle himself. By getting out and participating in activities outside the gates, he becomes an even greater asset to the Marine Corps by setting a good example in Okinawa.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....A7?opendocument
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 200591534721
Story by Cpl. Martin R. Harris
CHATAN, OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 16, 2005) -- Spending late nights burning up keyboards with lighting fast keystrokes is the scenario many Marines may think of when the title data network specialist comes up in conversation. For one of these information warriors, his battles are not only fought in the virtual world, but also in a dimly lit and humid dojo here in Okinawa.
Lance Cpl. German Reyes, a data network specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, is one Marine with a warrior mentality who's nights are spent in a very different scene. Reyes takes full advantage of being stationed overseas by immersing himself in martial arts.
"The competition is what draws me to martial arts," the 190-pound Reyes said. "It's not barbaric at all; it's about skill and discipline. I love fighting because it's like a chess game between two men."
After wrestling in high school Reyes studied Brazilian ju-jitsu while attending the Illinois Institute of Art for graphic design in Chicago. At 20, he started his martial arts training before entering the Marine Corps.
"After wrestling in high school there is really no other route to take but to start either fighting full contact or ju-jitsu," said the windy city native. "I just happened to know someone who was into ju-jitsu, so I started going to tournaments and matches. I lost a lot at first, but then I started to get the hang of it."
Upon arriving at Okinawa, Reyes found the Kamikaze Fighting Gym near Camp Foster and began training in kickboxing as well as submission wrestling, which is similar to ju-jitsu.
Training for approximately two hours, four or five times a week, consumes a considerable amount of free time, but training so much has its benefits, explained Reyes.
"Coming to the gym is something that is relaxing and keeps me in good shape," Reyes said. "It gets me out of the barracks and gives me an opportunity to interact with the Okinawan people."
A positive and respectful personality is something that is important for a fighter, explained Hiromitsu Okunishi, Reyes' trainer.
"Reyes is a really good person inside," Okunishi said. "His aura comes out when you meet him. He is very friendly and respects and cares about others; this is very important for a person to be a good fighter."
There is added responsibility to be respectful and good-natured while living and working, as well as competitively fighting while in a host country, explained Reyes.
"It's very important that we keep a good relationship with the Okinawan people," Reyes said. "Many times, we are the only Americans they meet, so their view of America is a direct reflection of our actions."
Reyes' outgoing personality is something that not only helps him succeed while fighting inside the ring, but also at work, explained Lance Cpl. Chris Garrow, Reyes' training partner and coworker.
"He has a 'get things done' attitude," Garrow said. "He takes a leadership role in whatever he does. He just sets things up. If we are planning to go on a trip to explore something new, he is the one planning it."
Some could consider Reyes to be a fine example of the way a Marine should handle himself. By getting out and participating in activities outside the gates, he becomes an even greater asset to the Marine Corps by setting a good example in Okinawa.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....A7?opendocument
Marines on Okinawa looking for a few good embassy guards
Screening program coming to island in October
By Fred Zimmerman, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Marine Security Guard screening
The MSG screening team will be on Okinawa on the following days:
Oct. 20: Camp Kinser, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 21: Camp Hansen, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 24: Camp Schwab, 8 a.m.-noon
Oct. 24: Camp Courtney, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Camp Courtney Theater
Oct. 25: Camp Foster, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Camp Foster Theater
Oct. 26: MCAS Futenma, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Marines wishing to serve at U.S. embassies throughout the world soon will have their chance to meet face-to-face with those who can make it happen.
The Marine Security Guard screening team is coming to Okinawa from Oct. 19 to Oct. 26 to find qualified Marines to serve at various U.S. diplomatic and consular facilities worldwide. While the team’s visit is more than a month away, Gunnery Sgt. Timothy Lucas, a career retention specialist with Camp Foster’s Headquarters and Service Battalion, says now is the time to begin the application process.
“If [interested Marines] start their package now, it gives us time to sit down and brief them, and let them know what they’ve got to do,” Lucas said. A typical MSG screening package takes about three weeks, on average, to complete, he added.
Some of the lengthier parts of the application process, Lucas said, are the medical and dental screenings, and applying for a “secret” security clearance. Those interested also must undergo a commanding officer interview, he said, which is a prescreening performed locally before the team arrives.
Marines eligible for MSG assignment are those in the ranks from private first class to gunnery sergeant, Lucas said. While staff sergeants and gunnery sergeants can be married, applicants of other ranks must be single, Lucas said.
“Sergeants and below can’t be married, and they have to agree that they won’t get married while on the duty,” he said.
One benefit from becoming a Marine Security Guard, Lucas said, is being more competitive for promotions. He said the junior enlisted members — corporal and below — automatically receive 100 points toward their “cutting” score once they graduate from MSG school. Sergeants and above, he said, become “highly qualified for promotion” if they complete a successful stint.
Tour lengths are 36 months — 18 months at two posts — for staff sergeants and gunnery sergeants, and 30 months — 15 months at two posts — for sergeants and below.
To guarantee being screened by the team, Lucas said, packages must be submitted by Sept. 30. He said completing the packages before the team gets here could help get orders to the school.
“When the MSG monitors come here, they can cut orders on the spot,” he said.
For more information on the MSG screening team visit, contact your career retention specialist or the Headquarters and Service Battalion office on Camp Foster at DSN 645-5166/2548.
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?sectio...47&archive=true
Screening program coming to island in October
By Fred Zimmerman, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Marine Security Guard screening
The MSG screening team will be on Okinawa on the following days:
Oct. 20: Camp Kinser, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 21: Camp Hansen, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 24: Camp Schwab, 8 a.m.-noon
Oct. 24: Camp Courtney, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Camp Courtney Theater
Oct. 25: Camp Foster, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Camp Foster Theater
Oct. 26: MCAS Futenma, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Marines wishing to serve at U.S. embassies throughout the world soon will have their chance to meet face-to-face with those who can make it happen.
The Marine Security Guard screening team is coming to Okinawa from Oct. 19 to Oct. 26 to find qualified Marines to serve at various U.S. diplomatic and consular facilities worldwide. While the team’s visit is more than a month away, Gunnery Sgt. Timothy Lucas, a career retention specialist with Camp Foster’s Headquarters and Service Battalion, says now is the time to begin the application process.
“If [interested Marines] start their package now, it gives us time to sit down and brief them, and let them know what they’ve got to do,” Lucas said. A typical MSG screening package takes about three weeks, on average, to complete, he added.
Some of the lengthier parts of the application process, Lucas said, are the medical and dental screenings, and applying for a “secret” security clearance. Those interested also must undergo a commanding officer interview, he said, which is a prescreening performed locally before the team arrives.
Marines eligible for MSG assignment are those in the ranks from private first class to gunnery sergeant, Lucas said. While staff sergeants and gunnery sergeants can be married, applicants of other ranks must be single, Lucas said.
“Sergeants and below can’t be married, and they have to agree that they won’t get married while on the duty,” he said.
One benefit from becoming a Marine Security Guard, Lucas said, is being more competitive for promotions. He said the junior enlisted members — corporal and below — automatically receive 100 points toward their “cutting” score once they graduate from MSG school. Sergeants and above, he said, become “highly qualified for promotion” if they complete a successful stint.
Tour lengths are 36 months — 18 months at two posts — for staff sergeants and gunnery sergeants, and 30 months — 15 months at two posts — for sergeants and below.
To guarantee being screened by the team, Lucas said, packages must be submitted by Sept. 30. He said completing the packages before the team gets here could help get orders to the school.
“When the MSG monitors come here, they can cut orders on the spot,” he said.
For more information on the MSG screening team visit, contact your career retention specialist or the Headquarters and Service Battalion office on Camp Foster at DSN 645-5166/2548.
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?sectio...47&archive=true
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/checkpoint_04-11-03.html
checkpoint April 11, 2003, 9:32am EST
ON EDGE AFTER SUICIDE BOMBINGS, MARINES OPEN FIRE ON CAR CARRYING CIVILIANS
Following a suicide bombing Thursday in which five servicemen were wounded, two civilians were killed and nine were wounded when Marines opened fire on a car that failed to stop at a checkpoint Friday.
Online NewsHour Special Report:
The Iraq War
U.S. Marines said they killed two children during the checkpoint incident, after the driver of the vehicle in which the youngsters were traveling ignored warnings to stop, creating fears of another suicide attack.
Captain Jay Delarosa, spokesman for the 15th U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit in the southern city of Nasiriya, said nine other people in the vehicle were wounded in the incident.
"Our Marines took action to protect themselves against what they thought was a suicide bomber," Delarosa told Reuters correspondent Adrian Croft in Nassiriya, adding that the driver had ignored repeated warnings to stop.
"Currently, we are providing the best available medical assistance to those injured," he said, adding that no weapons had been found in the vehicle. "It was a regrettable mistake."
U.S. military spokesmen or witnesses have reported several incidents over the past couple of weeks in which civilians have been killed or wounded after being mistaken for suicide bombers.
Delarosa said a vehicle, which he described as a minivan, had approached a U.S. checkpoint in Nasiriya at "a high rate of speed" at 6.45 a.m. on Friday.
"The vehicle was told numerous times to stop, not only by the signs but by motions by the Marines," he said in a statement.
"The vehicle...picked up speed and moved through the serpentine protecting obstacles in front of the checkpoint. The Marines suspected, because of the actions, that it was a suicide bomber. The Marines...opened fire," he added. "Our command regrets this incident."
U.S. forces manning checkpoints across Iraq are on edge following suicide attacks that have killed or wounded soldiers checking vehicles.
The most recent of those attacks occurred Thursday. The U.S. military confirmed Friday that five servicemen were wounded in that suicide bombing in Baghdad, but said no one had been killed.
"A vehicle approached a checkpoint and detonated and we had some Marines who were injured by that, four Marines and one medical corpsman as well," Brigadier General Vincent Brooks told a news briefing at U.S. Central Command headquarters in Qatar.
Brooks said the explosion occurred in the vicinity of Saddam City, a sprawling slum inhabited mainly by Shi'ite Muslims in northeastern Baghdad.
checkpoint April 11, 2003, 9:32am EST
ON EDGE AFTER SUICIDE BOMBINGS, MARINES OPEN FIRE ON CAR CARRYING CIVILIANS
Following a suicide bombing Thursday in which five servicemen were wounded, two civilians were killed and nine were wounded when Marines opened fire on a car that failed to stop at a checkpoint Friday.
Online NewsHour Special Report:
The Iraq War
U.S. Marines said they killed two children during the checkpoint incident, after the driver of the vehicle in which the youngsters were traveling ignored warnings to stop, creating fears of another suicide attack.
Captain Jay Delarosa, spokesman for the 15th U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit in the southern city of Nasiriya, said nine other people in the vehicle were wounded in the incident.
"Our Marines took action to protect themselves against what they thought was a suicide bomber," Delarosa told Reuters correspondent Adrian Croft in Nassiriya, adding that the driver had ignored repeated warnings to stop.
"Currently, we are providing the best available medical assistance to those injured," he said, adding that no weapons had been found in the vehicle. "It was a regrettable mistake."
U.S. military spokesmen or witnesses have reported several incidents over the past couple of weeks in which civilians have been killed or wounded after being mistaken for suicide bombers.
Delarosa said a vehicle, which he described as a minivan, had approached a U.S. checkpoint in Nasiriya at "a high rate of speed" at 6.45 a.m. on Friday.
"The vehicle was told numerous times to stop, not only by the signs but by motions by the Marines," he said in a statement.
"The vehicle...picked up speed and moved through the serpentine protecting obstacles in front of the checkpoint. The Marines suspected, because of the actions, that it was a suicide bomber. The Marines...opened fire," he added. "Our command regrets this incident."
U.S. forces manning checkpoints across Iraq are on edge following suicide attacks that have killed or wounded soldiers checking vehicles.
The most recent of those attacks occurred Thursday. The U.S. military confirmed Friday that five servicemen were wounded in that suicide bombing in Baghdad, but said no one had been killed.
"A vehicle approached a checkpoint and detonated and we had some Marines who were injured by that, four Marines and one medical corpsman as well," Brigadier General Vincent Brooks told a news briefing at U.S. Central Command headquarters in Qatar.
Brooks said the explosion occurred in the vicinity of Saddam City, a sprawling slum inhabited mainly by Shi'ite Muslims in northeastern Baghdad.
4th Marine Division honors its fallen Marines
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 2005914163715
Story by Cpl. William Skelton
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Sept. 8, 2005) -- It was a sight to see — grown men getting misty-eyed together without an ounce of shame. For veterans like Elmer J. Dapron who gathered with one another, it went far beyond a ceremony for a monument.
World War II veterans from around the country assembled to dedicate a monument and hold a memorial service here in honor of the 4th Marine Division Sept. 8.
“With all the changes that have taken place in the Marine Corps, the only thing that hasn’t changed is the Esprit de Corps and the Semper Fidelis … it’s not just a slogan, it’s in your heart and soul and that will never change,” said Dapron, formerly of the 10th Amphibian Tracker Battalion, “Because of our mortality, every time we are together it seems more important than the last.”
Approximately 400 veterans and their families gathered at the South Mesa staff noncommissioned officer’s club to recognize the achievements of, and remember their lost comrades from, the 4th Marine Division. This visit marked the 60th anniversary of the deactivation of the division.
During the four operations in which the Division was engaged, approximately 82,000 men saw action one or more times. Out of this number 17,722 were killed, wounded or went missing in action.
The group of overwhelmed veterans toured Camp Pendleton for five days to take a look at the many changes that have taken place since their days in the ranks.
“When I was stationed here, there was nothing more than dirt roads that ran about the base,” said George A. Snyder, a former corporal and tanker in the Marine Corps during Word War II.
The Marines, many in their 80’s, were reunited with old friends during the reunion — many of whom they hadn’t seen for years.
“My favorite time was when I ran into a friend I served with in 4th Marine Division and got to meet his wife and children,” Dapron said.
“This memorial is poignant, sad and uplifting…we have lost so many over the years,” said Pamela C. Marvin, wife of Purple Heart recipient and screen actor, Lee Marvin. Marvin, who passed away in 1987, was wounded while serving with the 4th Marine Division during the Battle of Saipan.
Marvin’s wife was among hundreds of 4th Marine Division vets who gathered here to pay tribute to their old unit.
The names of Marines who have passed on during the last year were read during the ceremony, honoring the division.
Marines from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing band played the Marines' Hymn and other arrangements during the ceremony.
When all the names were read and calls to prayer presented, a 21-round saluting battery from the 11th Marine Regiment sounded, followed by Taps.
Before heading back home, the Marines from the 4th Marine Division had one last reunion during a banquet dinner Sept. 10.
“Knowing the duty, honor and responsibility (learned), I could never repay the Marine Corps for all it has done for me,” Dapron said before adding that this simple creed is why reunions like this are important.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....2A?opendocument
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 2005914163715
Story by Cpl. William Skelton
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Sept. 8, 2005) -- It was a sight to see — grown men getting misty-eyed together without an ounce of shame. For veterans like Elmer J. Dapron who gathered with one another, it went far beyond a ceremony for a monument.
World War II veterans from around the country assembled to dedicate a monument and hold a memorial service here in honor of the 4th Marine Division Sept. 8.
“With all the changes that have taken place in the Marine Corps, the only thing that hasn’t changed is the Esprit de Corps and the Semper Fidelis … it’s not just a slogan, it’s in your heart and soul and that will never change,” said Dapron, formerly of the 10th Amphibian Tracker Battalion, “Because of our mortality, every time we are together it seems more important than the last.”
Approximately 400 veterans and their families gathered at the South Mesa staff noncommissioned officer’s club to recognize the achievements of, and remember their lost comrades from, the 4th Marine Division. This visit marked the 60th anniversary of the deactivation of the division.
During the four operations in which the Division was engaged, approximately 82,000 men saw action one or more times. Out of this number 17,722 were killed, wounded or went missing in action.
The group of overwhelmed veterans toured Camp Pendleton for five days to take a look at the many changes that have taken place since their days in the ranks.
“When I was stationed here, there was nothing more than dirt roads that ran about the base,” said George A. Snyder, a former corporal and tanker in the Marine Corps during Word War II.
The Marines, many in their 80’s, were reunited with old friends during the reunion — many of whom they hadn’t seen for years.
“My favorite time was when I ran into a friend I served with in 4th Marine Division and got to meet his wife and children,” Dapron said.
“This memorial is poignant, sad and uplifting…we have lost so many over the years,” said Pamela C. Marvin, wife of Purple Heart recipient and screen actor, Lee Marvin. Marvin, who passed away in 1987, was wounded while serving with the 4th Marine Division during the Battle of Saipan.
Marvin’s wife was among hundreds of 4th Marine Division vets who gathered here to pay tribute to their old unit.
The names of Marines who have passed on during the last year were read during the ceremony, honoring the division.
Marines from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing band played the Marines' Hymn and other arrangements during the ceremony.
When all the names were read and calls to prayer presented, a 21-round saluting battery from the 11th Marine Regiment sounded, followed by Taps.
Before heading back home, the Marines from the 4th Marine Division had one last reunion during a banquet dinner Sept. 10.
“Knowing the duty, honor and responsibility (learned), I could never repay the Marine Corps for all it has done for me,” Dapron said before adding that this simple creed is why reunions like this are important.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....2A?opendocument
http://michellemalkin.com/archives/001280.htm
THE COP-KILLING MARINE AND THE MILITARY
By Michelle Malkin · January 19, 2005 11:23 AM
My latest column is about Lance Corporal Andres Raya of the U.S. Marines. If the name rings a distant bell, it's because Raya was all over the TV news last week in surveillance videos and still pictures of his ambush on police officers at a Ceres, Calif., liquor store.
Before we go any further, let me use this space to reprint the minute-by-minute chronology of Raya's cop-killing plot (courtesy of the Modesto Bee):
Sunday, around 8 p.m. � Using an assault rifle, Raya fires a shot into the pavement in the parking lot outside George's Liquors, 2125 Caswell Ave. He goes inside and tells the clerk, "Somebody just fired at me, call the police." Police said they received the call at 8:05 p.m. and arrived at the liquor store at 8:07. A surveillance video shows police arriving about 8:16, which means the camera's timer may have been as much as nine minutes fast.
8:15:37 � Surveillance video shows Raya pacing outside the liquor store door, at a corner of the building.
8:15:47 � The first Ceres police unit pulls up, behind an opposite corner of the building. Two officers emerge: Sam Ryno and an unidentified trainee.
8:15:49 � The officers walk to the building.
8:16:14 � A second police car, with one officer inside, pulls up.
8:16:19 � Ryno and the trainee peer around the corner.
8:16:20-8:16:23 � Raya sees them and steps back, reaches under his poncho and levels his rifle.
8:16:24 � Raya fires, and Ryno goes down. Raya keeps shooting as he advances on the corner. A third officer, who arrived in the second car, returns fire as Ryno crawls back to his car.
8:16:33-8:16:41 � Raya runs back to the other corner.
8:17:20 � He keeps the rifle out and throws part of the poncho over his shoulder.
8:17:34 � He notices something to his left, apparently Sgt. Howard Stevenson driving up. Raya crouches behind a sedan in the parking lot.
8:17:37 � He fires through one of the car's side windows and hits Stevenson outside his car. Raya continues firing, and Stevenson returns fire.
8:17:42 � Raya runs toward the downed officer. Police say he shot him twice in the back of the head.
8:18 � Officers from around the region respond to the "officer down" call, and cordon off the neighborhood as they search for the gunman.
About 10 p.m. � Police evacuate residents from several homes around a house where officers believe Raya may be holed up. Police shoot out streetlights to obscure the suspect's vision.
11:08 � Four officers see Raya climb over a fence, entering an alley between Glenwood and Myrtlewood drives. He fires on them, and they return fire, striking him. He drops his rifle, but remains standing. He reaches under his poncho and officers fire again, killing him.
Raya was not a desperate, crazed gunman driven to "suicide by cop" in an attempt to avoid being sent back to Iraq. He had never seen combat, never fired his gun overseas, and was scheduled to be deployed to Okinawa, not the Middle East. He was, according to police, a gang-banger high on cocaine who had a history of trouble with the law and questionable loyalties to this country. Cops found a videotape with Raya and Latino gang members smoking marijuana and throwing gang signs after breaking into a school gym, stealing computer equipment, tearing up an American flag, and spelling out "F--- BUSH" with the pieces--which were left on the gym floor.
The Left's martyrdom of Raya has been quick and unrelenting. Counterpunch writer Jack Random exploits the incident to call for military recruiters to be banned from high schools. Indymedia posted a complaint from a reader angry that the California legislature lowered its flags in memory of the slain cop. And check out this appalling piece in La Voz de Aztlan, which demonizes Raya's white neighbors as "rednecks" and blames our military for Raya's murderous shooting spree:
One can only speculate what horrors Andres Raya experienced in Fallujah. The slaughter by US occupation forces of Iraqi civilians in Fallujah has been compared to the slaughter in Guernica by Nazi forces in 1937. Many US Marines with a conscious have found it very difficult to reconcile the Iraqi civilian murders in their minds and have committed suicide. US Marine Andres Raya decided to take some cops with him. Most probably he was harassed by them while growing up Mexican in this small northern California town.
As I conclude in the column, the question isn't what got into Raya when he entered the military. The question is why and how Raya -- who police say had a propensity for violence well before he joined the Marines -- got into our military in the first place. Raya's citizenship status is murky. As I've noted before, the Pentagon's lax policies allow illegal aliens and those using fake ID to enter the armed forces with ease. A number of military folks have also told me that there is a significant problem with gang members getting into service.
Somebody's asleep at the wheel.
Update: The Socialist Worker Online continues the Myth of the Anti-War Marine here.
TrackBack <9>
THE COP-KILLING MARINE AND THE MILITARY
By Michelle Malkin · January 19, 2005 11:23 AM
My latest column is about Lance Corporal Andres Raya of the U.S. Marines. If the name rings a distant bell, it's because Raya was all over the TV news last week in surveillance videos and still pictures of his ambush on police officers at a Ceres, Calif., liquor store.
Before we go any further, let me use this space to reprint the minute-by-minute chronology of Raya's cop-killing plot (courtesy of the Modesto Bee):
Sunday, around 8 p.m. � Using an assault rifle, Raya fires a shot into the pavement in the parking lot outside George's Liquors, 2125 Caswell Ave. He goes inside and tells the clerk, "Somebody just fired at me, call the police." Police said they received the call at 8:05 p.m. and arrived at the liquor store at 8:07. A surveillance video shows police arriving about 8:16, which means the camera's timer may have been as much as nine minutes fast.
8:15:37 � Surveillance video shows Raya pacing outside the liquor store door, at a corner of the building.
8:15:47 � The first Ceres police unit pulls up, behind an opposite corner of the building. Two officers emerge: Sam Ryno and an unidentified trainee.
8:15:49 � The officers walk to the building.
8:16:14 � A second police car, with one officer inside, pulls up.
8:16:19 � Ryno and the trainee peer around the corner.
8:16:20-8:16:23 � Raya sees them and steps back, reaches under his poncho and levels his rifle.
8:16:24 � Raya fires, and Ryno goes down. Raya keeps shooting as he advances on the corner. A third officer, who arrived in the second car, returns fire as Ryno crawls back to his car.
8:16:33-8:16:41 � Raya runs back to the other corner.
8:17:20 � He keeps the rifle out and throws part of the poncho over his shoulder.
8:17:34 � He notices something to his left, apparently Sgt. Howard Stevenson driving up. Raya crouches behind a sedan in the parking lot.
8:17:37 � He fires through one of the car's side windows and hits Stevenson outside his car. Raya continues firing, and Stevenson returns fire.
8:17:42 � Raya runs toward the downed officer. Police say he shot him twice in the back of the head.
8:18 � Officers from around the region respond to the "officer down" call, and cordon off the neighborhood as they search for the gunman.
About 10 p.m. � Police evacuate residents from several homes around a house where officers believe Raya may be holed up. Police shoot out streetlights to obscure the suspect's vision.
11:08 � Four officers see Raya climb over a fence, entering an alley between Glenwood and Myrtlewood drives. He fires on them, and they return fire, striking him. He drops his rifle, but remains standing. He reaches under his poncho and officers fire again, killing him.
Raya was not a desperate, crazed gunman driven to "suicide by cop" in an attempt to avoid being sent back to Iraq. He had never seen combat, never fired his gun overseas, and was scheduled to be deployed to Okinawa, not the Middle East. He was, according to police, a gang-banger high on cocaine who had a history of trouble with the law and questionable loyalties to this country. Cops found a videotape with Raya and Latino gang members smoking marijuana and throwing gang signs after breaking into a school gym, stealing computer equipment, tearing up an American flag, and spelling out "F--- BUSH" with the pieces--which were left on the gym floor.
The Left's martyrdom of Raya has been quick and unrelenting. Counterpunch writer Jack Random exploits the incident to call for military recruiters to be banned from high schools. Indymedia posted a complaint from a reader angry that the California legislature lowered its flags in memory of the slain cop. And check out this appalling piece in La Voz de Aztlan, which demonizes Raya's white neighbors as "rednecks" and blames our military for Raya's murderous shooting spree:
One can only speculate what horrors Andres Raya experienced in Fallujah. The slaughter by US occupation forces of Iraqi civilians in Fallujah has been compared to the slaughter in Guernica by Nazi forces in 1937. Many US Marines with a conscious have found it very difficult to reconcile the Iraqi civilian murders in their minds and have committed suicide. US Marine Andres Raya decided to take some cops with him. Most probably he was harassed by them while growing up Mexican in this small northern California town.
As I conclude in the column, the question isn't what got into Raya when he entered the military. The question is why and how Raya -- who police say had a propensity for violence well before he joined the Marines -- got into our military in the first place. Raya's citizenship status is murky. As I've noted before, the Pentagon's lax policies allow illegal aliens and those using fake ID to enter the armed forces with ease. A number of military folks have also told me that there is a significant problem with gang members getting into service.
Somebody's asleep at the wheel.
Update: The Socialist Worker Online continues the Myth of the Anti-War Marine here.
TrackBack <9>
Cherry Point Marines organize for Ophelia
September 15,2005
BY K.J. Williams
Sun Journal Staff
CHERRY POINT - The Marines have organized a line of defense against Hurricane Ophelia, placing aircraft in hangars and flying some KC-130s to other locations, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.
"We've been prepared for a while now," said Maj. Shawn Haney. "We are in Condition One, which means that nonessential personnel do not come to the base."
Marines from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Naval personnel whose jobs aren't crucial have been told to remain in their quarters if they live at Cherry Point, she said.
The air station's destructive weather officer, Maj. John Wilkin, said he coordinates emergency preparations with his counterparts from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Wilkin said Cherry Point's hangars have a rating that indicates the highest wind speed the hangars can withstand and Hurricane Ophelia with its 85 mph was within that range.
"As long as a storm is rated at less than that speed then we'll attempt to hangar that aircraft," he said.
The search and rescue helicopter, Pedro, will be available after the storm for emergency assistance.
"We have (Pedro) crews actually right now on stand by," Wilkin said, adding Cherry Point's fire department also will be available.
Based on storm surge maps of Cherry Point, only "minor, localized flooding" was expected, he said.
Wilkin said non-essential personnel were off duty by 11 p.m. Tuesday. They will remain off duty today. At the Naval Air Depot Cherry Point, employees working the first shift Wednesday left work early. Administrative leave was given to employees on the second and third shift, according to recorded information.
Several days ago, the Marines began placing portable generators, drinking water and packaged food rations at sites throughout the base in case the food halls close as a result of the storm.
Cherry Point has its own shelter for the military. Still, the Marines have lent supplies like blankets, water and generators, besides sending Marines, including corpsmen and chaplains, to shelters at Brinson Memorial Elementary School and Havelock High School, Wilkin said.
K.J. Williams can be reached at 635-5664 or at kwilliams@freedomenc.com.
http://www.newbernsj.com/SiteProcessor.cfm...1&Section=Local
September 15,2005
BY K.J. Williams
Sun Journal Staff
CHERRY POINT - The Marines have organized a line of defense against Hurricane Ophelia, placing aircraft in hangars and flying some KC-130s to other locations, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.
"We've been prepared for a while now," said Maj. Shawn Haney. "We are in Condition One, which means that nonessential personnel do not come to the base."
Marines from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Naval personnel whose jobs aren't crucial have been told to remain in their quarters if they live at Cherry Point, she said.
The air station's destructive weather officer, Maj. John Wilkin, said he coordinates emergency preparations with his counterparts from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Wilkin said Cherry Point's hangars have a rating that indicates the highest wind speed the hangars can withstand and Hurricane Ophelia with its 85 mph was within that range.
"As long as a storm is rated at less than that speed then we'll attempt to hangar that aircraft," he said.
The search and rescue helicopter, Pedro, will be available after the storm for emergency assistance.
"We have (Pedro) crews actually right now on stand by," Wilkin said, adding Cherry Point's fire department also will be available.
Based on storm surge maps of Cherry Point, only "minor, localized flooding" was expected, he said.
Wilkin said non-essential personnel were off duty by 11 p.m. Tuesday. They will remain off duty today. At the Naval Air Depot Cherry Point, employees working the first shift Wednesday left work early. Administrative leave was given to employees on the second and third shift, according to recorded information.
Several days ago, the Marines began placing portable generators, drinking water and packaged food rations at sites throughout the base in case the food halls close as a result of the storm.
Cherry Point has its own shelter for the military. Still, the Marines have lent supplies like blankets, water and generators, besides sending Marines, including corpsmen and chaplains, to shelters at Brinson Memorial Elementary School and Havelock High School, Wilkin said.
K.J. Williams can be reached at 635-5664 or at kwilliams@freedomenc.com.
http://www.newbernsj.com/SiteProcessor.cfm...1&Section=Local
George Washington's Proclamation calling
Out The Militia To Occupy the
Western Counties of Pennsylvania
As It Appears In the August 11, 1794 issue of Claypoole's Daily Advertiser
Angered by an excise tax imposed on whiskey in 1791 by the federal government, farmers in the western counties of Pennsylvania engaged in a series of attacks on excise agents. The tariff effectively eliminated any profit by the farmers from the sale or barter of an important cash crop, and became the lightning rod for a wide variety of grievances by the settlers of the region against the federal government.
While citizens in the east did not find it difficult to abide by the concept that individual states were "subservient to the country," people west of the mountains were less accepting of decisions made by the central government.
The rebel farmers continued their attacks, rioting in river towns and roughing up tax collectors until the so-called "insurrection" flared into the open in July of 1794 when a federal marshal was attacked in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Almost at the same time several hundred men attacked the residence of the regional inspector, burning his home, barn and several outbuildings. Pittsburgh was another scene of disorder by enraged mobs.
On August 7, 1794 President Washington issued a proclamation, calling out the militia and ordering the disaffected westerners to return to their homes. Washington's order mobilized an army of approximately 13,000-- as large as the one that had defeated the British-- under the command of General Harry Lee, the then-Governor of Virginia and father of Robert E. Lee. Washington himself, in a show of presidential authority, set out at the head of the troops to suppress the uprising.
This was the first use of the Militia Law of 1792 setting a precedent for the use of the militia to "execute the laws of the union, (and) suppress insurrections," asserting the right of the national government to enforce order in one state with troops raised in other states. Even more importantly, it was the first test of power of the new federal government, establishing its primacy in disputes with individual states. In the end, a dozen or so men were arrested, sent to Philadelphia to trial and released after pardons by Washington.
Out The Militia To Occupy the
Western Counties of Pennsylvania
As It Appears In the August 11, 1794 issue of Claypoole's Daily Advertiser
Angered by an excise tax imposed on whiskey in 1791 by the federal government, farmers in the western counties of Pennsylvania engaged in a series of attacks on excise agents. The tariff effectively eliminated any profit by the farmers from the sale or barter of an important cash crop, and became the lightning rod for a wide variety of grievances by the settlers of the region against the federal government.
While citizens in the east did not find it difficult to abide by the concept that individual states were "subservient to the country," people west of the mountains were less accepting of decisions made by the central government.
The rebel farmers continued their attacks, rioting in river towns and roughing up tax collectors until the so-called "insurrection" flared into the open in July of 1794 when a federal marshal was attacked in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Almost at the same time several hundred men attacked the residence of the regional inspector, burning his home, barn and several outbuildings. Pittsburgh was another scene of disorder by enraged mobs.
On August 7, 1794 President Washington issued a proclamation, calling out the militia and ordering the disaffected westerners to return to their homes. Washington's order mobilized an army of approximately 13,000-- as large as the one that had defeated the British-- under the command of General Harry Lee, the then-Governor of Virginia and father of Robert E. Lee. Washington himself, in a show of presidential authority, set out at the head of the troops to suppress the uprising.
This was the first use of the Militia Law of 1792 setting a precedent for the use of the militia to "execute the laws of the union, (and) suppress insurrections," asserting the right of the national government to enforce order in one state with troops raised in other states. Even more importantly, it was the first test of power of the new federal government, establishing its primacy in disputes with individual states. In the end, a dozen or so men were arrested, sent to Philadelphia to trial and released after pardons by Washington.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/100104X.shtml
Marine Declares War on Bush
By Michelle Goldberg
Salon.com
Iraq war veteran Steve Brozak is running hard for Congress. And he's turning his campaign into a referendum on Bush's military folly.
Thursday 30 September 2004
Steve Brozak is running for Congress in New Jersey against George W. Bush. Sure, his opponent on the ticket is Republican incumbent Mike Ferguson. But as Brozak sees it, Ferguson is just a synecdoche for the Bush team, whose failings drove Brozak out of the Marines and the Republican Party and into the first political campaign of his life.
"The bottom line is I'm going to take him down," Brozak says of Ferguson. "I'm just going to keep hitting at him. This is a national race because I'm going to start hitting not just him but his boss. They lied to us, they misled us about what was at stake in the war with Iraq, and they're misleading us about what is going to happen going forward."
A candidate who has actually served in the Middle East during the Iraq war, Brozak has seen the quagmire up close. A dark-haired, broad-shouldered man, he has a deep, authoritative voice and enunciates crisply -- it's easy to imagine him in uniform, barking orders. When he speaks of the Bush administration, though, it's with the stunned incredulousness of one who's seen all his assumptions about the world upended. Before the war, Brozak says, he wanted to believe his president. It barely occurred to him not to. Now, his voice gets heated when he talks about Iraq, which is the subject he talks about most. "There were no weapons of mass destruction," he says. "There was no planning, just this sense of arrogance and contempt by the civilians in this administration."
Running in an affluent, solidly Republican district -- one that Bush carried over Gore in 2000 -- Brozak is making this race a referendum on the president's handling of the war. Like many Democrats, he believes Iraq is so self-evidently catastrophic that it's only a matter of time before people across the political spectrum wake up and realize it. He attacks Ferguson as a "water boy" for Bush and mocks him for putting color-coded terror alerts on his Web site.
The campaign between Brozak and Ferguson is almost a microcosm of the race for the presidency, as it turns largely on how people view Bush, Iraq and the war on terror. It hinges on whether others in New Jersey's District 7 have moved along the same ideological trajectory as Steve Brozak. Like John Kerry, Brozak may be able to win only if at least some of those who voted for Bush in 2000 have come to see the president as either incompetent, mendacious or both.
Conservative New Jersey pollster Rick Shaftan insists that there's no way a Democrat can win the district. He says voters simply don't buy Brozak's grim view of Iraq. "People support Bush's handling of Iraq," he says. "I don't think people see it as being a screw-up. People think we did the right thing." Recent polls show Bush running competitively in New Jersey as a whole, alarming Democrats who thought they had the state locked up and leading John Edwards to make a recent campaign stop in Newark.
But David Rebovich, managing director of the Institute for New Jersey Politics and chair of political science at New Jersey's Rider University, says that if Kerry can turn things around, Brozak has a real shot. "This is the closest thing to a competitive race in New Jersey this fall," he says. "Shaftan misses Brozak's attempt to locate President Bush's vulnerability on the war, on healthcare, on things like stem-cell research and exploit them through this creative, in-your-face campaign. Is this a winning strategy? I don't know. But it's a good strategy and one that might yield results."
Influential Democrats have already thrown their weight behind Brozak. His campaign team, says Rebovich, "are first-class people in New Jersey." The DNC gave him a speaking slot at the convention. Former presidential candidate Wesley Clark has campaigned for him. Last week, MoveOn.org chose him as one of five antiwar congressional candidates to raise money for, and they've already collected more than $100,000 for him. Veterans of the Clark and the Howard Dean movements in New Jersey are mobilizing for him.
Democrats think Brozak's background makes him particularly suited to capitalize on moderate unease about Bush. The son of Eastern European immigrants who lived under Nazi occupation, he joined the Marine Corps almost 22 years ago after graduating from Columbia University with a degree in East Asian studies. He served on active duty for three years and then joined the reserves. He earned an MBA at Columbia and worked on Wall Street before co-founding Westfield Bakerink Brozak, an investment bank that specializes in biotech and healthcare research.
A married father of two girls, he volunteered to return to active duty during several international crises, serving in Haiti in 1995 and Bosnia in 2000. After Sept. 11, he volunteered once again and went on extended active duty in October 2002, leaving his firm in the hands of his partner. "I went back on duty after 9/11 because our country was faced with an impending threat," he says. "A group of terrorists wanted to bring down not just our democracy but all democracies."
During the Iraq war, he served as national spokesman for the Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, which is charged with enforcing the law that protects the jobs of reservists called up for military duty. He soon realized that many employers were openly flouting the law and firing soldiers, who were then left with little recourse except lengthy litigation. Extended tours in Iraq were plunging many reservist families into economic misery. "It was bad, but we didn't know how bad it was," Brozak says.
To find out, he volunteered to lead a study for the military about the effects of the Iraq war on reservists and National Guardsmen. Last summer, he was sent to Kuwait and to southern Iraq to interview such soldiers about their call-ups.
What he found was anxiety and rock-bottom morale that boded ill for reenlistment. "They were completely unsure of whether or not they'd be financially taken care of," he says. "They were unsure of whether or not they'd have jobs to come back to. They were certain they were going to get out of the Guard or reserves system when they were done."
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground shocked him. "The number of people there and how they were prepared in terms of equipment and training was, across the board, criminal in terms of its inept management," he says.
He saw the potential for calamity. "What we are faced with today is our active duty force stretched to the breaking point," he says. "The National Guard and reserve systems are broken, possibly beyond repair. We are staring down the barrel of the draft."
"Do the math," he continues. "How many people do we need going forward? How many people do we have? Where are these bodies coming from?"
When Brozak returned from the Middle East to his post in Arlington, Va., he tried to alert civilians in the Defense Department to the trouble on the ground. But, he says, they were uninterested. "It was that same arrogant, contemptuous attitude. When I came back and said we have a problem, we need to address it right away, we are fighting for our lives, their attitude was, 'We know better than you do.' It was their contempt for the people in uniform, it was their contempt for all Americans" that finally drove him out of the Republican Party.
In fact, Brozak says, Republicans' contempt for soldiers -- coupled with their mawkish reverence for the military in the abstract -- had been bothering him for a while. He first started souring on his party when the Bush team smeared John McCain during the 2000 primaries; he was outraged by the 2002 attacks against Democratic Sen. Max Cleland, who was tarred as a traitorous ally of Osama bin Laden despite the fact that he lost three limbs serving in Vietnam.
Brozak changed his party registration shortly after he returned from Iraq last year, but he didn't speak out against the Bush administration until he retired from the Marines this spring. The fact that he waited until he'd left the military didn't stop his old party from going after him. A Republican operative, he says, filed a complaint against him under the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from partisan political activity.
It's likely to get a lot uglier. Ferguson recently paid $20,000 to Benjamin Ginsberg, the Washington lawyer who resigned from the Bush campaign this summer after revelations about his ties to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. The congressman's ties to the right-wing attack machine are well known in New Jersey. "When the political mud starts flying, it seems that U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson is always in the right place at the right time," Tom Moran, a columnist for the New Jersey Star Ledger, wrote on Sept. 7. "His opponents get smeared. And he has enough distance from the action to claim he knew nothing about it."
Brozak, meanwhile, is going on the offensive. He recently hired one of the state's high-profile election attorneys, Angelo Genova, to ask the state's department of elections to review whether Ferguson is even eligible to run for Congress in New Jersey. As Brozak revealed on Tuesday, Ferguson claims his primary residence in Bethesda, Md., on his Maryland tax forms, thus qualifying for a tax rebate. The Constitution, though, requires that congressmen live in the states they represent. The Web site PoliticsNJ.com has already speculated on possible last-minute replacements, should Ferguson be thrown off the ballot, saying, "This is New Jersey, where anything can happen."
Meanwhile, Brozak continually pounds away at Ferguson's integrity. He notes over and over that earlier this year Ferguson was fined $210,000 by the Federal Election Commission for illegally financing his 2000 campaign with money borrowed from a trust fund set up by his father. Brozak also points out that Ferguson has received $10,000 from House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's ARMPAC, which is at the center of several money-laundering indictments.
When he's not bashing the incumbent for corruption, Brozak is attacking him for fanaticism. Ferguson opposes both abortion and, more controversially, stem-cell research. With his background in biotechnology, Brozak is a zealous advocate of such research and accuses Ferguson of endangering his constituents' heath by backing Bush's ban. "Mike Ferguson's special interests are a few religious fundamentalists that would impede scientific progress in the name of a misguided ideology, rather than the thousands of his constituents suffering from debilitating disease," Brozak says in a press release.
Brozak's strategy, says political analyst Rebovich, is to label Ferguson "an ideologue who doesn't really think for himself and doesn't advocate for the district. Brozak is saying, 'What do you think, I'm a liberal? I'm a friggin' Marine, and on top of that I'm a businessman. Ferguson is a guy who inherited Daddy's money.'"
Ferguson did not return Salon's calls seeking comment.
Brozak isn't saying how much money his campaign has right now. But he acknowledges that he's nowhere near as well-funded as his opponent. To counteract that, he's working hard at retail politics. Three days a week he puts on a suit and stands in front of train stations from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., greeting commuters on their way to work. "Steve is the only man who's out there early in the morning," says Anthony Stevens, manager of the Cranford Station, a small stop on the New Jersey Transit.
During the blurry dawn this past Monday, the candidate stands outside Stevens' station and greets each harried commuter as he or she walks by. "Hi, I'm Steve Brozak, and I'm looking to become your congressman," he says, pressing campaign literature into their hands. After that, he goes to local diners, again introducing himself to everyone there. His bearing is slightly stiff and all the glad-handing seems like humbling work for a man who's used to being saluted. But it seems to be paying off, as people are starting to recognize him.
At the train station, several people slap his back and promise him their votes. At a diner afterward, he approaches Bob Beller, a graying assets manager in a blue blazer who was finishing his breakfast, only to find out that Beller has already contributed to his campaign and plans to give more. Ferguson, says Beller, is "a Stepford wife. All these local Republicans say exactly what they're told to say." Nodding approvingly at Brozak, who had moved on to another table, he says, "He's the kind of guy the Democrats need to win."
Brozak remains a fiscal conservative and a fervent booster of the military. But there's not much Republican left in him. These days he shares the conviction, nearly ubiquitous among Democratic activists, that the current administration represents something new and uniquely threatening in American life. The Republican Party, he says, has been "hijacked by a reactionary group that is truly dangerous."
He talks about what he learned in Bosnia four years ago. "Here was a country where people were living normal lives, and everything just fell apart overnight," he says. "It showed me how fragile societies can be. Make no mistake. Our society is very fragile."
Of course, the right is quick to seize on this kind of language to attack their critics as raving leftists. Yet in the past few years, this note of crisis has been sounded by those who've spent their lives as staid centrists: Al Gore, Howard Dean, Wesley Clark, Joe Wilson, Richard Clarke. No matter how many respectable establishment types sound the alarm against Bush, though, much of the media continues to write off their warnings as irrational "Bush hatred."
Eventually, Brozak says, "people will start to realize how bad things are." After all, he says, 70 percent of New Jersey's National Guard has been called up. A unit from Westfield, one of the towns in his district, is about to be sent to Tikrit and probably won't be home until 2006.
At the same time, the crisis in enlistment and retention that Brozak predicted is starting to come true. Last week, it was reported that the National Guard missed its recruitment goals by 5,000, the first time it's fallen short in a decade. On Sept. 27, the New York Times reported that some Army planners want to cut soldiers' 12-month combat tours to improve morale and reenlistment. But others say they can't do that and still meet requirements in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Rocky Mountain News has reported that some Iraq veterans stationed in Colorado have been threatened with second tours in Iraq if they refuse to reenlist. On Monday, USA Today reported that more than a third of soldiers called up from the Individual Ready Reserve failed to report on time.
Bad news about Iraq only matters to voters, though, if they are paying attention to it. Shaftan, the conservative pollster, says they're not. "Yeah, there's activity going on there, but there's nothing going on here. The terrorism, national security issue is one where Bush has a huge lead. People don't know the details, they just know that things are safer and nobody's flying planes into buildings."
This kind of thinking poses a particular challenge to a candidate like Brozak. How does a man warning of imminent disaster talk to voters who prefer optimism to candor? Brozak's energy comes from the huge gap between the military reality he's seen and the rhetoric he's hearing from the administration. Still, that same gap can make some voters think he's the extremist.
The danger, says Rebovich, is that voters will hear him and think, "Pal, you think you're well meaning, but you're an angry Marine. That's the downfall of a military person. In some ways, that was the downfall of Wesley Clark. At some point, people say, 'Oh my God, we hope a lot of Marines aren't thinking like you. Just shut up and fight.'"
Brozak sees the danger. Indeed, it's part of what so alarms him about this political moment. "If you repeat a lie often enough, people will start to believe it," he says.
He only hopes the same maxim will apply to the truth.
Marine Declares War on Bush
By Michelle Goldberg
Salon.com
Iraq war veteran Steve Brozak is running hard for Congress. And he's turning his campaign into a referendum on Bush's military folly.
Thursday 30 September 2004
Steve Brozak is running for Congress in New Jersey against George W. Bush. Sure, his opponent on the ticket is Republican incumbent Mike Ferguson. But as Brozak sees it, Ferguson is just a synecdoche for the Bush team, whose failings drove Brozak out of the Marines and the Republican Party and into the first political campaign of his life.
"The bottom line is I'm going to take him down," Brozak says of Ferguson. "I'm just going to keep hitting at him. This is a national race because I'm going to start hitting not just him but his boss. They lied to us, they misled us about what was at stake in the war with Iraq, and they're misleading us about what is going to happen going forward."
A candidate who has actually served in the Middle East during the Iraq war, Brozak has seen the quagmire up close. A dark-haired, broad-shouldered man, he has a deep, authoritative voice and enunciates crisply -- it's easy to imagine him in uniform, barking orders. When he speaks of the Bush administration, though, it's with the stunned incredulousness of one who's seen all his assumptions about the world upended. Before the war, Brozak says, he wanted to believe his president. It barely occurred to him not to. Now, his voice gets heated when he talks about Iraq, which is the subject he talks about most. "There were no weapons of mass destruction," he says. "There was no planning, just this sense of arrogance and contempt by the civilians in this administration."
Running in an affluent, solidly Republican district -- one that Bush carried over Gore in 2000 -- Brozak is making this race a referendum on the president's handling of the war. Like many Democrats, he believes Iraq is so self-evidently catastrophic that it's only a matter of time before people across the political spectrum wake up and realize it. He attacks Ferguson as a "water boy" for Bush and mocks him for putting color-coded terror alerts on his Web site.
The campaign between Brozak and Ferguson is almost a microcosm of the race for the presidency, as it turns largely on how people view Bush, Iraq and the war on terror. It hinges on whether others in New Jersey's District 7 have moved along the same ideological trajectory as Steve Brozak. Like John Kerry, Brozak may be able to win only if at least some of those who voted for Bush in 2000 have come to see the president as either incompetent, mendacious or both.
Conservative New Jersey pollster Rick Shaftan insists that there's no way a Democrat can win the district. He says voters simply don't buy Brozak's grim view of Iraq. "People support Bush's handling of Iraq," he says. "I don't think people see it as being a screw-up. People think we did the right thing." Recent polls show Bush running competitively in New Jersey as a whole, alarming Democrats who thought they had the state locked up and leading John Edwards to make a recent campaign stop in Newark.
But David Rebovich, managing director of the Institute for New Jersey Politics and chair of political science at New Jersey's Rider University, says that if Kerry can turn things around, Brozak has a real shot. "This is the closest thing to a competitive race in New Jersey this fall," he says. "Shaftan misses Brozak's attempt to locate President Bush's vulnerability on the war, on healthcare, on things like stem-cell research and exploit them through this creative, in-your-face campaign. Is this a winning strategy? I don't know. But it's a good strategy and one that might yield results."
Influential Democrats have already thrown their weight behind Brozak. His campaign team, says Rebovich, "are first-class people in New Jersey." The DNC gave him a speaking slot at the convention. Former presidential candidate Wesley Clark has campaigned for him. Last week, MoveOn.org chose him as one of five antiwar congressional candidates to raise money for, and they've already collected more than $100,000 for him. Veterans of the Clark and the Howard Dean movements in New Jersey are mobilizing for him.
Democrats think Brozak's background makes him particularly suited to capitalize on moderate unease about Bush. The son of Eastern European immigrants who lived under Nazi occupation, he joined the Marine Corps almost 22 years ago after graduating from Columbia University with a degree in East Asian studies. He served on active duty for three years and then joined the reserves. He earned an MBA at Columbia and worked on Wall Street before co-founding Westfield Bakerink Brozak, an investment bank that specializes in biotech and healthcare research.
A married father of two girls, he volunteered to return to active duty during several international crises, serving in Haiti in 1995 and Bosnia in 2000. After Sept. 11, he volunteered once again and went on extended active duty in October 2002, leaving his firm in the hands of his partner. "I went back on duty after 9/11 because our country was faced with an impending threat," he says. "A group of terrorists wanted to bring down not just our democracy but all democracies."
During the Iraq war, he served as national spokesman for the Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, which is charged with enforcing the law that protects the jobs of reservists called up for military duty. He soon realized that many employers were openly flouting the law and firing soldiers, who were then left with little recourse except lengthy litigation. Extended tours in Iraq were plunging many reservist families into economic misery. "It was bad, but we didn't know how bad it was," Brozak says.
To find out, he volunteered to lead a study for the military about the effects of the Iraq war on reservists and National Guardsmen. Last summer, he was sent to Kuwait and to southern Iraq to interview such soldiers about their call-ups.
What he found was anxiety and rock-bottom morale that boded ill for reenlistment. "They were completely unsure of whether or not they'd be financially taken care of," he says. "They were unsure of whether or not they'd have jobs to come back to. They were certain they were going to get out of the Guard or reserves system when they were done."
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground shocked him. "The number of people there and how they were prepared in terms of equipment and training was, across the board, criminal in terms of its inept management," he says.
He saw the potential for calamity. "What we are faced with today is our active duty force stretched to the breaking point," he says. "The National Guard and reserve systems are broken, possibly beyond repair. We are staring down the barrel of the draft."
"Do the math," he continues. "How many people do we need going forward? How many people do we have? Where are these bodies coming from?"
When Brozak returned from the Middle East to his post in Arlington, Va., he tried to alert civilians in the Defense Department to the trouble on the ground. But, he says, they were uninterested. "It was that same arrogant, contemptuous attitude. When I came back and said we have a problem, we need to address it right away, we are fighting for our lives, their attitude was, 'We know better than you do.' It was their contempt for the people in uniform, it was their contempt for all Americans" that finally drove him out of the Republican Party.
In fact, Brozak says, Republicans' contempt for soldiers -- coupled with their mawkish reverence for the military in the abstract -- had been bothering him for a while. He first started souring on his party when the Bush team smeared John McCain during the 2000 primaries; he was outraged by the 2002 attacks against Democratic Sen. Max Cleland, who was tarred as a traitorous ally of Osama bin Laden despite the fact that he lost three limbs serving in Vietnam.
Brozak changed his party registration shortly after he returned from Iraq last year, but he didn't speak out against the Bush administration until he retired from the Marines this spring. The fact that he waited until he'd left the military didn't stop his old party from going after him. A Republican operative, he says, filed a complaint against him under the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from partisan political activity.
It's likely to get a lot uglier. Ferguson recently paid $20,000 to Benjamin Ginsberg, the Washington lawyer who resigned from the Bush campaign this summer after revelations about his ties to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. The congressman's ties to the right-wing attack machine are well known in New Jersey. "When the political mud starts flying, it seems that U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson is always in the right place at the right time," Tom Moran, a columnist for the New Jersey Star Ledger, wrote on Sept. 7. "His opponents get smeared. And he has enough distance from the action to claim he knew nothing about it."
Brozak, meanwhile, is going on the offensive. He recently hired one of the state's high-profile election attorneys, Angelo Genova, to ask the state's department of elections to review whether Ferguson is even eligible to run for Congress in New Jersey. As Brozak revealed on Tuesday, Ferguson claims his primary residence in Bethesda, Md., on his Maryland tax forms, thus qualifying for a tax rebate. The Constitution, though, requires that congressmen live in the states they represent. The Web site PoliticsNJ.com has already speculated on possible last-minute replacements, should Ferguson be thrown off the ballot, saying, "This is New Jersey, where anything can happen."
Meanwhile, Brozak continually pounds away at Ferguson's integrity. He notes over and over that earlier this year Ferguson was fined $210,000 by the Federal Election Commission for illegally financing his 2000 campaign with money borrowed from a trust fund set up by his father. Brozak also points out that Ferguson has received $10,000 from House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's ARMPAC, which is at the center of several money-laundering indictments.
When he's not bashing the incumbent for corruption, Brozak is attacking him for fanaticism. Ferguson opposes both abortion and, more controversially, stem-cell research. With his background in biotechnology, Brozak is a zealous advocate of such research and accuses Ferguson of endangering his constituents' heath by backing Bush's ban. "Mike Ferguson's special interests are a few religious fundamentalists that would impede scientific progress in the name of a misguided ideology, rather than the thousands of his constituents suffering from debilitating disease," Brozak says in a press release.
Brozak's strategy, says political analyst Rebovich, is to label Ferguson "an ideologue who doesn't really think for himself and doesn't advocate for the district. Brozak is saying, 'What do you think, I'm a liberal? I'm a friggin' Marine, and on top of that I'm a businessman. Ferguson is a guy who inherited Daddy's money.'"
Ferguson did not return Salon's calls seeking comment.
Brozak isn't saying how much money his campaign has right now. But he acknowledges that he's nowhere near as well-funded as his opponent. To counteract that, he's working hard at retail politics. Three days a week he puts on a suit and stands in front of train stations from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., greeting commuters on their way to work. "Steve is the only man who's out there early in the morning," says Anthony Stevens, manager of the Cranford Station, a small stop on the New Jersey Transit.
During the blurry dawn this past Monday, the candidate stands outside Stevens' station and greets each harried commuter as he or she walks by. "Hi, I'm Steve Brozak, and I'm looking to become your congressman," he says, pressing campaign literature into their hands. After that, he goes to local diners, again introducing himself to everyone there. His bearing is slightly stiff and all the glad-handing seems like humbling work for a man who's used to being saluted. But it seems to be paying off, as people are starting to recognize him.
At the train station, several people slap his back and promise him their votes. At a diner afterward, he approaches Bob Beller, a graying assets manager in a blue blazer who was finishing his breakfast, only to find out that Beller has already contributed to his campaign and plans to give more. Ferguson, says Beller, is "a Stepford wife. All these local Republicans say exactly what they're told to say." Nodding approvingly at Brozak, who had moved on to another table, he says, "He's the kind of guy the Democrats need to win."
Brozak remains a fiscal conservative and a fervent booster of the military. But there's not much Republican left in him. These days he shares the conviction, nearly ubiquitous among Democratic activists, that the current administration represents something new and uniquely threatening in American life. The Republican Party, he says, has been "hijacked by a reactionary group that is truly dangerous."
He talks about what he learned in Bosnia four years ago. "Here was a country where people were living normal lives, and everything just fell apart overnight," he says. "It showed me how fragile societies can be. Make no mistake. Our society is very fragile."
Of course, the right is quick to seize on this kind of language to attack their critics as raving leftists. Yet in the past few years, this note of crisis has been sounded by those who've spent their lives as staid centrists: Al Gore, Howard Dean, Wesley Clark, Joe Wilson, Richard Clarke. No matter how many respectable establishment types sound the alarm against Bush, though, much of the media continues to write off their warnings as irrational "Bush hatred."
Eventually, Brozak says, "people will start to realize how bad things are." After all, he says, 70 percent of New Jersey's National Guard has been called up. A unit from Westfield, one of the towns in his district, is about to be sent to Tikrit and probably won't be home until 2006.
At the same time, the crisis in enlistment and retention that Brozak predicted is starting to come true. Last week, it was reported that the National Guard missed its recruitment goals by 5,000, the first time it's fallen short in a decade. On Sept. 27, the New York Times reported that some Army planners want to cut soldiers' 12-month combat tours to improve morale and reenlistment. But others say they can't do that and still meet requirements in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Rocky Mountain News has reported that some Iraq veterans stationed in Colorado have been threatened with second tours in Iraq if they refuse to reenlist. On Monday, USA Today reported that more than a third of soldiers called up from the Individual Ready Reserve failed to report on time.
Bad news about Iraq only matters to voters, though, if they are paying attention to it. Shaftan, the conservative pollster, says they're not. "Yeah, there's activity going on there, but there's nothing going on here. The terrorism, national security issue is one where Bush has a huge lead. People don't know the details, they just know that things are safer and nobody's flying planes into buildings."
This kind of thinking poses a particular challenge to a candidate like Brozak. How does a man warning of imminent disaster talk to voters who prefer optimism to candor? Brozak's energy comes from the huge gap between the military reality he's seen and the rhetoric he's hearing from the administration. Still, that same gap can make some voters think he's the extremist.
The danger, says Rebovich, is that voters will hear him and think, "Pal, you think you're well meaning, but you're an angry Marine. That's the downfall of a military person. In some ways, that was the downfall of Wesley Clark. At some point, people say, 'Oh my God, we hope a lot of Marines aren't thinking like you. Just shut up and fight.'"
Brozak sees the danger. Indeed, it's part of what so alarms him about this political moment. "If you repeat a lie often enough, people will start to believe it," he says.
He only hopes the same maxim will apply to the truth.
A colorful tapestry: Hispanic Americans are colorful threads that strengthen the American fabric
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story by: Computed Name: - Lt. Cmdr. Alfredo E. Baker
Story Identification #: 2005916204351
MARINE CORPS HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(Sept. 16, 2005) -- Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the rich history, cultural traditions and the many contributions that Hispanic Americans have contributed to the greatness of our nation. The theme of this year’s celebration, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, is “Hispanic Americans: Strong and Colorful Threads in the American Fabric.”
National Hispanic Heritage Month evolved into a week-long celebration from a Congressional declaration back in Sept. 17, 1968, that began Sept. 10 and ended Sept. 16. The week commemorated the anniversary for seven Latin American countries: Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico and Chile.
Twenty years later, on Aug. 17, 1988, President Ronald Reagan authorized the celebration to be expanded to one month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, which now includes Oct. 12 to recognize the first immigration of Hispanic ancestors from the Eastern Hemisphere — Europe, Africa and Asia — to the Americas.
Hispanic is not racial identification, a nationality, or just one culture. Instead, Hispanics are greatly diverse people with Spanish and Latin American cultural and linguistic origins, regardless of race or color. This diversity is accentuated with European, Native American, African, Asian or Middle Eastern descent, or any combination of these five. Hispanics can have cultural ties to Mexico, the Caribbean countries, Central America, South America and Spain.
The Hispanic heritage of America goes back in time to the earliest European presence on the North American continent after the arrival of Christopher Columbus on Oct. 12, 1492. And contrary to common belief, the first settlement in the United States was of a Spanish origin.
This began in 1513 with Ponce de Leon’s landing in the vicinity of what is known today as Cape Canaveral, Fla. Consequently, Hispanics settled in numerous areas in North America: between coastal Georgia and South Carolina; at Pensacola Bay near present-day Gulf Islands National Seashore; and at what is known today as Saint Augustine, Fla.
There were also great explorations of what we know today as Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Mexico.
Another Hispanic with a special place in the history of the United States, is General Bernardo de Galvez.
While a governor of the Louisiana Territory, Galvez provided money and supplies to the army of General George Washington and General George Rogers Clarke. In 1779, after Spain officially entered the war on the side of the Americans, General Galvez raised an army of Spanish and Cuban soldiers, Choctaw Indians and former black slaves to attack and overrun British strongholds.
Furthermore, General Galvez captured Pensacola, the capital of a British colony of West Florida. This battle has been described by one American historian as “a decisive factor in the outcome of the Revolution and one of the most brilliantly executed battles of war.” Many considered a heavy blow to the fighting morale of the British Army, just five months prior to the last battle of the war at Yorktown.
Another Hispanic gentlemen of note is David Glasgow Farragut, who later became the first admiral of the U.S. Navy.
David Farragut participated in his first naval experience at the tender age of 11 under the care of Commodore David Porter.
Later, during the Civil War, David Farragut fought on the side of the Union and played a decisive role in the final outcome of the Civil War. Farragut won fame as a Union hero, when, in 1862, he forced New Orleans to surrender to the Union. This victory as well as his performance during the battles of Port Hudson and Vicksburg, earned him Abraham Lincoln’s praises and a promotion to rear admiral, a rank never before used in the Navy.
In 1864, during the Battle of Mobile Bay, one of Farragut’s lead ships struck a mine and sank.
This caused confusion and hesitation among the Union Sailors, and it was then that he shouted the order that made him famous:, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” Shortly after, he was appointed vice admiral and given a hero’s welcome in New York City. After the war, in 1866, the Congress decided to create the title of Admiral of the Navy, to honor Farragut.
On Aug. 14, 1870, Admiral Farragut died in Portsmouth, N.H., after almost 60 years of service to America. Today, you can visit a statue in his honor at Farragut Square, Washington.
During World War II, more than 400,000 Hispanics served in the U.S. armed forces. In World War II, as well as in Korean and Vietnam, Hispanics continued to excel and several earned the Congressional Medal of Honor — totaling 42 awards, which is disproportionate to their numerical representation in the civilian population in the United States. Hispanics have served this country valiantly and with distinction in every single war our country has been involved — from the Revolutionary War to today’s Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq.
As President Bush said in his 2001 National Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation — Hispanics “contribute to every walk of contemporary American life, while simultaneously preserving the unique customs and traditions of their ancestors. All Americans, regardless of national origin, celebrate the vibrant Hispanic American spirit that influences our Nation’s art, music, food, and faiths.
“We also celebrate the practices of commitment to family, love of country, and respect for others — virtues that transcend ethnicity, reflect the American spirit, and are nobly exemplified in the Hispanic American community.”
This month celebrates the diversity and contributions of Hispanic Americans as strong and colorful threads in the American fabric.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....b3?OpenDocument
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story by: Computed Name: - Lt. Cmdr. Alfredo E. Baker
Story Identification #: 2005916204351
MARINE CORPS HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(Sept. 16, 2005) -- Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the rich history, cultural traditions and the many contributions that Hispanic Americans have contributed to the greatness of our nation. The theme of this year’s celebration, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, is “Hispanic Americans: Strong and Colorful Threads in the American Fabric.”
National Hispanic Heritage Month evolved into a week-long celebration from a Congressional declaration back in Sept. 17, 1968, that began Sept. 10 and ended Sept. 16. The week commemorated the anniversary for seven Latin American countries: Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico and Chile.
Twenty years later, on Aug. 17, 1988, President Ronald Reagan authorized the celebration to be expanded to one month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, which now includes Oct. 12 to recognize the first immigration of Hispanic ancestors from the Eastern Hemisphere — Europe, Africa and Asia — to the Americas.
Hispanic is not racial identification, a nationality, or just one culture. Instead, Hispanics are greatly diverse people with Spanish and Latin American cultural and linguistic origins, regardless of race or color. This diversity is accentuated with European, Native American, African, Asian or Middle Eastern descent, or any combination of these five. Hispanics can have cultural ties to Mexico, the Caribbean countries, Central America, South America and Spain.
The Hispanic heritage of America goes back in time to the earliest European presence on the North American continent after the arrival of Christopher Columbus on Oct. 12, 1492. And contrary to common belief, the first settlement in the United States was of a Spanish origin.
This began in 1513 with Ponce de Leon’s landing in the vicinity of what is known today as Cape Canaveral, Fla. Consequently, Hispanics settled in numerous areas in North America: between coastal Georgia and South Carolina; at Pensacola Bay near present-day Gulf Islands National Seashore; and at what is known today as Saint Augustine, Fla.
There were also great explorations of what we know today as Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Mexico.
Another Hispanic with a special place in the history of the United States, is General Bernardo de Galvez.
While a governor of the Louisiana Territory, Galvez provided money and supplies to the army of General George Washington and General George Rogers Clarke. In 1779, after Spain officially entered the war on the side of the Americans, General Galvez raised an army of Spanish and Cuban soldiers, Choctaw Indians and former black slaves to attack and overrun British strongholds.
Furthermore, General Galvez captured Pensacola, the capital of a British colony of West Florida. This battle has been described by one American historian as “a decisive factor in the outcome of the Revolution and one of the most brilliantly executed battles of war.” Many considered a heavy blow to the fighting morale of the British Army, just five months prior to the last battle of the war at Yorktown.
Another Hispanic gentlemen of note is David Glasgow Farragut, who later became the first admiral of the U.S. Navy.
David Farragut participated in his first naval experience at the tender age of 11 under the care of Commodore David Porter.
Later, during the Civil War, David Farragut fought on the side of the Union and played a decisive role in the final outcome of the Civil War. Farragut won fame as a Union hero, when, in 1862, he forced New Orleans to surrender to the Union. This victory as well as his performance during the battles of Port Hudson and Vicksburg, earned him Abraham Lincoln’s praises and a promotion to rear admiral, a rank never before used in the Navy.
In 1864, during the Battle of Mobile Bay, one of Farragut’s lead ships struck a mine and sank.
This caused confusion and hesitation among the Union Sailors, and it was then that he shouted the order that made him famous:, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” Shortly after, he was appointed vice admiral and given a hero’s welcome in New York City. After the war, in 1866, the Congress decided to create the title of Admiral of the Navy, to honor Farragut.
On Aug. 14, 1870, Admiral Farragut died in Portsmouth, N.H., after almost 60 years of service to America. Today, you can visit a statue in his honor at Farragut Square, Washington.
During World War II, more than 400,000 Hispanics served in the U.S. armed forces. In World War II, as well as in Korean and Vietnam, Hispanics continued to excel and several earned the Congressional Medal of Honor — totaling 42 awards, which is disproportionate to their numerical representation in the civilian population in the United States. Hispanics have served this country valiantly and with distinction in every single war our country has been involved — from the Revolutionary War to today’s Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq.
As President Bush said in his 2001 National Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation — Hispanics “contribute to every walk of contemporary American life, while simultaneously preserving the unique customs and traditions of their ancestors. All Americans, regardless of national origin, celebrate the vibrant Hispanic American spirit that influences our Nation’s art, music, food, and faiths.
“We also celebrate the practices of commitment to family, love of country, and respect for others — virtues that transcend ethnicity, reflect the American spirit, and are nobly exemplified in the Hispanic American community.”
This month celebrates the diversity and contributions of Hispanic Americans as strong and colorful threads in the American fabric.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....b3?OpenDocument
Abraham Russ Massacre
Abraham Russ lived about twenty-two miles from Pittsburgh on the banks of the Allegheny River, some two miles above the mouth of Bull Creek in western Pennsylvania. Towards evening on March 22, 1791 the extended Russ family was preparing for dinner when seven Indians walked into the settlers' cabin. The Indians left their rifles at the door in a well-known token of friendship and requested to dine with the white frontiersmen. The family welcomed their guests, perhaps more out of fear than hospitality. John Dary, a thirteen-year-old boy, suspected the worst and left the house to hide in the woods while the Indians supped.
When the Indians had finished their meal, one of them rose and stood squarely against the door to prevent members of the household from leaving. The other Indians rose as well and began methodically to butcher and scalp their hosts. They disposed of four men, one old women, and six children in this manner.
Mrs. Dory, sister of Russ, witnessed the death of her mother and her child. An Indian lifted the eighteen-month-old infant by its feet and dashed the child's brains out against the skull of old Mrs. Russ. Thus with one horrid blow both were dispatched. In the panic of witnessing such a sight Mrs. Dary literally dismembered part of the frail cabin and escaped through the wall. Three of her daughters, a sister-in-law, and three nieces followed. Agnes Clark and two of her children also escaped in this n-tanner, as did Catherine Cutright, who had lost both husband and son in the massacre.
These women and children ran to the river, where their screams brought Levi Johnson from a mile and a half away. He shuttled the living across the river in his canoe while the Indians were plundering and setting fire to the cabin. Seventeen persons thus fled into the night. Once across the river, the survivors ran nine miles in the cold to a place of shelter. Two boys who had escaped separately hid in the woods near the cabin for three days before venturing forth.
News of the carnage traveled fast over the countryside. Families from miles around packed their belongings and moved to a defensible location at James Paul's farm on Pine Run. About seventy or eighty women and children gathered there by morning. The men erected a blockhouse where everyone lived together throughout the summer. The men also pursued the Indians, but to no avail. Several enlisted for six months' service with General Arthur St. Clair to fight the Indians as well.
Abraham Russ lived about twenty-two miles from Pittsburgh on the banks of the Allegheny River, some two miles above the mouth of Bull Creek in western Pennsylvania. Towards evening on March 22, 1791 the extended Russ family was preparing for dinner when seven Indians walked into the settlers' cabin. The Indians left their rifles at the door in a well-known token of friendship and requested to dine with the white frontiersmen. The family welcomed their guests, perhaps more out of fear than hospitality. John Dary, a thirteen-year-old boy, suspected the worst and left the house to hide in the woods while the Indians supped.
When the Indians had finished their meal, one of them rose and stood squarely against the door to prevent members of the household from leaving. The other Indians rose as well and began methodically to butcher and scalp their hosts. They disposed of four men, one old women, and six children in this manner.
Mrs. Dory, sister of Russ, witnessed the death of her mother and her child. An Indian lifted the eighteen-month-old infant by its feet and dashed the child's brains out against the skull of old Mrs. Russ. Thus with one horrid blow both were dispatched. In the panic of witnessing such a sight Mrs. Dary literally dismembered part of the frail cabin and escaped through the wall. Three of her daughters, a sister-in-law, and three nieces followed. Agnes Clark and two of her children also escaped in this n-tanner, as did Catherine Cutright, who had lost both husband and son in the massacre.
These women and children ran to the river, where their screams brought Levi Johnson from a mile and a half away. He shuttled the living across the river in his canoe while the Indians were plundering and setting fire to the cabin. Seventeen persons thus fled into the night. Once across the river, the survivors ran nine miles in the cold to a place of shelter. Two boys who had escaped separately hid in the woods near the cabin for three days before venturing forth.
News of the carnage traveled fast over the countryside. Families from miles around packed their belongings and moved to a defensible location at James Paul's farm on Pine Run. About seventy or eighty women and children gathered there by morning. The men erected a blockhouse where everyone lived together throughout the summer. The men also pursued the Indians, but to no avail. Several enlisted for six months' service with General Arthur St. Clair to fight the Indians as well.
Massy White
Massy White was born in Somerset County, New Jersey, on March 18, 1770. After the war for Independence, her father, Edward White, acquired rights to land in western Pennsylvania for his service with the Continental Army, and the family moved to this undeveloped property near Redstone Old Fort (later called Brownsville) on the banks of the Monongahela River. There Massy met John Harbison and, when she was seventeen, married him against her father's wishes. Some time in 1789 the Harbisons moved to the headwaters of Chartier's Creek, in Allegheny County. They lived about twenty-five miles from Pittsburgh, the nearest town, but within 200 yards of Reed's Block House, a well- guarded military establishment. Massy's husband was a scout for the army.
One night, when Massy's husband was away from home, two other scouts lodged in the Harbison's cabin. The men rose shortly before dawn and left the hut, leaving the door unsecured. Mrs. Harbison and her three children were still fast asleep. They awoke when a pair of Indians pulled Massy, by her feet, from the bed. The house was full of Indians armed with guns and tomahawks. Massy's first impulses were to embrace her infant and then grab a second petticoat to put on over the thin one she had on. An Indian tore the slip from her hands as part of his booty, while his companions ravaged the house for other items of interest.
Massy tried to alert soldiers in the fort, but she was captured, gagged, and claimed by a warrior as his squaw. Several Indians asserted the same right before one enforced his possession with an impressive display of ferocity. A group then attacked the blockhouse-killing one soldier and wounding another-while the rest began their escape.
The Indians pushed Massy along in front of them with the infant still in her arms and her five-year-old son at her side. The three-year-old stood by the fire crying bitterly. The warriors attempted to drag the boy along but he refused and began to wail pitifully. In response an Indian picked up the youngster by his feet and swung him against the door- frame, splattering blood, skull fragments, and brains on the ground. The Indians scalped the boy, stabbed him repeatedly, and only then abandoned the corpse.
Massy screamed and fell into a swoon at the sight of her butchered child. Her captors raised her from the ground and slapped her about the head and face until she regained consciousness. They then marched off with Massy, her infant, and her other son in tow. Later, the Indians would also murder the five-year-old. The child sobbed continuously; his mother believed that he was mourning his dead brother. Fearful that the youngster's crying would lead to their capture by white soldiers, two Indians took the boy aside, tomahawked, and scalped him. Again, Massy fell to the ground, senseless, with the infant still in her arms.
Eventually Massy Harbison escaped to tell the tale of her captivity. She recounted in horrid detail the murders of her children at the hands of thirty-two Indians, two of whom were white men painted and garbed as savages. She recognized several of the warriors - two she knew to be Senecas and two Munsees - as frequent travelers in the area. She reported on life among her captors, and her escape and six-day flight. Finally, she was united with her husband, with whom she moved to Bull Creek in 1794 and disappeared from the historical record.
Massy White was born in Somerset County, New Jersey, on March 18, 1770. After the war for Independence, her father, Edward White, acquired rights to land in western Pennsylvania for his service with the Continental Army, and the family moved to this undeveloped property near Redstone Old Fort (later called Brownsville) on the banks of the Monongahela River. There Massy met John Harbison and, when she was seventeen, married him against her father's wishes. Some time in 1789 the Harbisons moved to the headwaters of Chartier's Creek, in Allegheny County. They lived about twenty-five miles from Pittsburgh, the nearest town, but within 200 yards of Reed's Block House, a well- guarded military establishment. Massy's husband was a scout for the army.
One night, when Massy's husband was away from home, two other scouts lodged in the Harbison's cabin. The men rose shortly before dawn and left the hut, leaving the door unsecured. Mrs. Harbison and her three children were still fast asleep. They awoke when a pair of Indians pulled Massy, by her feet, from the bed. The house was full of Indians armed with guns and tomahawks. Massy's first impulses were to embrace her infant and then grab a second petticoat to put on over the thin one she had on. An Indian tore the slip from her hands as part of his booty, while his companions ravaged the house for other items of interest.
Massy tried to alert soldiers in the fort, but she was captured, gagged, and claimed by a warrior as his squaw. Several Indians asserted the same right before one enforced his possession with an impressive display of ferocity. A group then attacked the blockhouse-killing one soldier and wounding another-while the rest began their escape.
The Indians pushed Massy along in front of them with the infant still in her arms and her five-year-old son at her side. The three-year-old stood by the fire crying bitterly. The warriors attempted to drag the boy along but he refused and began to wail pitifully. In response an Indian picked up the youngster by his feet and swung him against the door- frame, splattering blood, skull fragments, and brains on the ground. The Indians scalped the boy, stabbed him repeatedly, and only then abandoned the corpse.
Massy screamed and fell into a swoon at the sight of her butchered child. Her captors raised her from the ground and slapped her about the head and face until she regained consciousness. They then marched off with Massy, her infant, and her other son in tow. Later, the Indians would also murder the five-year-old. The child sobbed continuously; his mother believed that he was mourning his dead brother. Fearful that the youngster's crying would lead to their capture by white soldiers, two Indians took the boy aside, tomahawked, and scalped him. Again, Massy fell to the ground, senseless, with the infant still in her arms.
Eventually Massy Harbison escaped to tell the tale of her captivity. She recounted in horrid detail the murders of her children at the hands of thirty-two Indians, two of whom were white men painted and garbed as savages. She recognized several of the warriors - two she knew to be Senecas and two Munsees - as frequent travelers in the area. She reported on life among her captors, and her escape and six-day flight. Finally, she was united with her husband, with whom she moved to Bull Creek in 1794 and disappeared from the historical record.
United States Marine Corps
Press Release
Public Affairs Office
Iwo Jima Committee; ; Iwo Jima Committee,
308 Aqueduct Court
Placentia, Calif. 92870-5469
Contact:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Release # 0916-05-1219
Memorial Service Commemorating 61st Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima
Sept. 16, 2005
OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- A memorial service and banquet commemorating the 61st Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima will be held Feb. 18, 2006 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
The event will take place at the South Mesa Staff NCO Club and will start at 4:30 p.m. The ceremony precedes planned activities on Feb. 16 and 17.
The men, wives and friends of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Marine Divisions and supporting units involved in the landing on Iwo Jima are cordially invited to attend, along with the general public.
Combat Center band wows crowds at Colorado Celtic festival
Submitted by: MCAGCC
Story Identification #: 2005920111626
Story by Lance Cpl. Brian A. Tuthill
ESTES PARK, Colo. (Sept. 9, 2005) -- More than 50 members of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band traveled to Estes Park, Colo., Sept. 7 to perform at the nearly weeklong Longs Peaks Scottish-Irish Highland Festival.
The Marines returned to the Combat Center Monday night from their 2,000-mile roundtrip journey to the small Rocky Mountain town, after performing daily morning, evening and nighttime shows in crisp blue-white dress uniforms as well as marching in a parade for the 29th year of the festival.
“On Saturday alone, we performed over 10 gigs,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Streeter, the band’s drum major. “It started with the parade; we went out with the massed bands; did our solo performance; we opened and closed the evening show; we performed a fanfare; played in the Tattoo; had our jazz combo band perform in the evening and at the ceilidh (pronounced ‘kay-lee’) party.”
The band was joined in its fifth visit by other bands from around the world to form the massed bands which performed daily in opening ceremonies as well as the evening Tattoo concerts, which draw their name from an ancient translation of Dutch.
Those bands included the Edmonton and District Pipe Band from Canada, the Lothian and Borders Police Pipe Band of Edinburgh, Scotland, and the 3rd Army Infantry Regiment Fife and Drum Corps from Washington, D.C., to play for more than 200,000 festival visitors.
“We’ve really enjoyed being here in Colorado, myself especially,” said Stuart Gardiner, a bagpiper and constable with the Lothian and Borders Police Department. “I’ve been with the band 20 years, and I’ve been all over North America but this is my first time here and have thoroughly enjoyed myself.”
“It’s been excellent working with the Marines,” said Gardiner. “We’ve never yet done a job with the Twentynine Palms band. We’ve played with the Quantico, Va., band around Canada, but the Twentynine Palms Marines have been amazing.”
The morning concerts featured a combination of the four massed guest bands as well as bagpipers and drummers of the West Coast Pipe Band Association, which raised the tally of performers on the field to more than 200; all of the performers were led by MCAGCC band officer Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert C. Jacob as they played the anthems of participating nations and traditional bagpipe songs such as “Scotland the Brave,” “Amazing Grace” and “Black Bear.”
The massed bands then cleared the field, and the Marines again took to the turf for a solo performance as they wowed the crowds with a mix of classic marches and contemporary music and always departed the field to the proud beat of the Marines’ Hymn and thunderous applause.
“I think this show is important to the band because it’s something different and extremely difficult because if it weren’t difficult, the Marines would not like doing it,” said Streeter. “It’s a chance to get out there and get a change of pace and to feel that pure adrenaline rush as a crowd screams for you.”
“On a more personal level, though, I get to watch a bunch of young men and women go out there and blow my mind every day,” said Streeter. “Yes, I go out there, too, and I’m responsible for them, but they’re the ones that make it look great.”
One of the main events of the festival was the evening Tattoo concert, which hosted the massed bands as well as individual performances by each of the bands and local groups.
The Marines again marched into the arena for their solo performance in front of the crowd of more than 4,500 people. Their act included songs by John Phillip Sousa, the king of marches; a popular rendition of “The Saints” where the Marines dispersed from their formation and sang and acted out in the middle; and selections from Star Wars which included a very customized drum solo.
The closing segment of their performance was a salute to all of the nation’s armed services, and as each one played, members of the crowd stood to be recognized, all beaming with pride.
But for the Marines as well as others in the audience, a small narration accompanied by the tune Semper Fidelis shed light on the sacrifice and honor of the Marines before them and those who have gone before.
Suddenly with an upbeat twist in tempo, the Marines’ Hymn boomed across the arena and five Marines and a Navy corpsman ran out in combat utilities carrying an American flag on a long pole, striking the pose of the famous Joe Rosenthal photo taken atop Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima in 1945.
The band marched out of the stadium to the longest and loudest of their many standing ovations of the night.
“We wanted to get out there and make people excited and happy to see their Marines,” said Streeter. “It’s certainly a confidence-builder in America’s trust in their Marines and that’s our job. These people don’t usually get a chance to see this sort of thing, or they may only see Marines on TV over in Iraq, so we have to go out and represent as best as we can.”
For Lance Cpl. Reagan Young, who plays saxophone in the band, his first big show at Estes Park will not be soon forgotten.
“I had no idea of what to really expect, and I had a great time,” said Young. “This was actually a lot of fun.”
“The first night was not as bad as the second and third night performing,” said Young. “When we were doing the Tattoo those nights we had news cameras and the Tonight Show there and it was a little nerve-racking.”
Following the Tattoo performances, the members of the various bands as well as a number of festivalgoers gathered for the ceilidh at a nearby hotel ballroom. Although a Celtic rock group, who combined the unique sounds of a bagpipe with electric guitars, was the main headliner of the evening, almost everyone said they came to see the Marine jazz combo band perform.
“The ceilidhs have been so much fun,” said Gardiner. “There is no question that the highlight of that is the Marine jazz party band that plays rather than the actual ceilidh band.”
The combo band, headed by Streeter, combines elements of jazz, rhythm and blues, and funk, as well as satirical humor and classic songs.
“I think [our presence at the festival] is an extremely important community relations event for the Marine Corps, because we had more than 200,000 people at this event, so we’re putting our dress blues on in front of all of these people and setting an example,” said Streeter. “These people come here from all over the world and get excited over the other bands, but they lose their minds over us and of course we feed off of it.”
The closing ceremony for the festival was a formal dinner banquet attended by the members of the massed bands, local contributors and benefactors, as well as various guests of honor. Again, the combo band hit the floor to lighten the mood and deliver laughs as well as music few could resist tapping a foot to.
“The last night when we had the banquet was my favorite night, just because it gave us a chance to get together with the bands,” said Young. “Everyone got a little loud and rowdy, but everyone had such a good time.”
For many of the male Marines, the only problem that faced the band was a small dose of discomfort during their performances.
“We all have raw necks from wearing our dress blues so much,” said Streeter. “Those high neck stocks just tear you up when you wear those all day long for a few days in a row. They might not have been able to cut my jugular vein, but it was enough to rub the skin off a bit.”
But for all of the Marines, who returned to the Combat Center late in the evening after a long week of performing, packing, ironing, partying and traveling, getting some solid time in their own beds was a top priority.
“This was an amazing trip,” said Young. “But it was very tiring for everybody. We had long days and logged a lot of hours, but it’s been a great. I can’t wait to go next year.”
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...0D?opendocument
Submitted by: MCAGCC
Story Identification #: 2005920111626
Story by Lance Cpl. Brian A. Tuthill
ESTES PARK, Colo. (Sept. 9, 2005) -- More than 50 members of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band traveled to Estes Park, Colo., Sept. 7 to perform at the nearly weeklong Longs Peaks Scottish-Irish Highland Festival.
The Marines returned to the Combat Center Monday night from their 2,000-mile roundtrip journey to the small Rocky Mountain town, after performing daily morning, evening and nighttime shows in crisp blue-white dress uniforms as well as marching in a parade for the 29th year of the festival.
“On Saturday alone, we performed over 10 gigs,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Streeter, the band’s drum major. “It started with the parade; we went out with the massed bands; did our solo performance; we opened and closed the evening show; we performed a fanfare; played in the Tattoo; had our jazz combo band perform in the evening and at the ceilidh (pronounced ‘kay-lee’) party.”
The band was joined in its fifth visit by other bands from around the world to form the massed bands which performed daily in opening ceremonies as well as the evening Tattoo concerts, which draw their name from an ancient translation of Dutch.
Those bands included the Edmonton and District Pipe Band from Canada, the Lothian and Borders Police Pipe Band of Edinburgh, Scotland, and the 3rd Army Infantry Regiment Fife and Drum Corps from Washington, D.C., to play for more than 200,000 festival visitors.
“We’ve really enjoyed being here in Colorado, myself especially,” said Stuart Gardiner, a bagpiper and constable with the Lothian and Borders Police Department. “I’ve been with the band 20 years, and I’ve been all over North America but this is my first time here and have thoroughly enjoyed myself.”
“It’s been excellent working with the Marines,” said Gardiner. “We’ve never yet done a job with the Twentynine Palms band. We’ve played with the Quantico, Va., band around Canada, but the Twentynine Palms Marines have been amazing.”
The morning concerts featured a combination of the four massed guest bands as well as bagpipers and drummers of the West Coast Pipe Band Association, which raised the tally of performers on the field to more than 200; all of the performers were led by MCAGCC band officer Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert C. Jacob as they played the anthems of participating nations and traditional bagpipe songs such as “Scotland the Brave,” “Amazing Grace” and “Black Bear.”
The massed bands then cleared the field, and the Marines again took to the turf for a solo performance as they wowed the crowds with a mix of classic marches and contemporary music and always departed the field to the proud beat of the Marines’ Hymn and thunderous applause.
“I think this show is important to the band because it’s something different and extremely difficult because if it weren’t difficult, the Marines would not like doing it,” said Streeter. “It’s a chance to get out there and get a change of pace and to feel that pure adrenaline rush as a crowd screams for you.”
“On a more personal level, though, I get to watch a bunch of young men and women go out there and blow my mind every day,” said Streeter. “Yes, I go out there, too, and I’m responsible for them, but they’re the ones that make it look great.”
One of the main events of the festival was the evening Tattoo concert, which hosted the massed bands as well as individual performances by each of the bands and local groups.
The Marines again marched into the arena for their solo performance in front of the crowd of more than 4,500 people. Their act included songs by John Phillip Sousa, the king of marches; a popular rendition of “The Saints” where the Marines dispersed from their formation and sang and acted out in the middle; and selections from Star Wars which included a very customized drum solo.
The closing segment of their performance was a salute to all of the nation’s armed services, and as each one played, members of the crowd stood to be recognized, all beaming with pride.
But for the Marines as well as others in the audience, a small narration accompanied by the tune Semper Fidelis shed light on the sacrifice and honor of the Marines before them and those who have gone before.
Suddenly with an upbeat twist in tempo, the Marines’ Hymn boomed across the arena and five Marines and a Navy corpsman ran out in combat utilities carrying an American flag on a long pole, striking the pose of the famous Joe Rosenthal photo taken atop Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima in 1945.
The band marched out of the stadium to the longest and loudest of their many standing ovations of the night.
“We wanted to get out there and make people excited and happy to see their Marines,” said Streeter. “It’s certainly a confidence-builder in America’s trust in their Marines and that’s our job. These people don’t usually get a chance to see this sort of thing, or they may only see Marines on TV over in Iraq, so we have to go out and represent as best as we can.”
For Lance Cpl. Reagan Young, who plays saxophone in the band, his first big show at Estes Park will not be soon forgotten.
“I had no idea of what to really expect, and I had a great time,” said Young. “This was actually a lot of fun.”
“The first night was not as bad as the second and third night performing,” said Young. “When we were doing the Tattoo those nights we had news cameras and the Tonight Show there and it was a little nerve-racking.”
Following the Tattoo performances, the members of the various bands as well as a number of festivalgoers gathered for the ceilidh at a nearby hotel ballroom. Although a Celtic rock group, who combined the unique sounds of a bagpipe with electric guitars, was the main headliner of the evening, almost everyone said they came to see the Marine jazz combo band perform.
“The ceilidhs have been so much fun,” said Gardiner. “There is no question that the highlight of that is the Marine jazz party band that plays rather than the actual ceilidh band.”
The combo band, headed by Streeter, combines elements of jazz, rhythm and blues, and funk, as well as satirical humor and classic songs.
“I think [our presence at the festival] is an extremely important community relations event for the Marine Corps, because we had more than 200,000 people at this event, so we’re putting our dress blues on in front of all of these people and setting an example,” said Streeter. “These people come here from all over the world and get excited over the other bands, but they lose their minds over us and of course we feed off of it.”
The closing ceremony for the festival was a formal dinner banquet attended by the members of the massed bands, local contributors and benefactors, as well as various guests of honor. Again, the combo band hit the floor to lighten the mood and deliver laughs as well as music few could resist tapping a foot to.
“The last night when we had the banquet was my favorite night, just because it gave us a chance to get together with the bands,” said Young. “Everyone got a little loud and rowdy, but everyone had such a good time.”
For many of the male Marines, the only problem that faced the band was a small dose of discomfort during their performances.
“We all have raw necks from wearing our dress blues so much,” said Streeter. “Those high neck stocks just tear you up when you wear those all day long for a few days in a row. They might not have been able to cut my jugular vein, but it was enough to rub the skin off a bit.”
But for all of the Marines, who returned to the Combat Center late in the evening after a long week of performing, packing, ironing, partying and traveling, getting some solid time in their own beds was a top priority.
“This was an amazing trip,” said Young. “But it was very tiring for everybody. We had long days and logged a lot of hours, but it’s been a great. I can’t wait to go next year.”
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...0D?opendocument
Marines gear up to take on Rita
Submitted by: 24th MEU
Story by: Computed Name: Sgt. Tracee L. Jackson
Story Identification #: 2005921195638
NEW ORLEANS--(Sept. 21, 2005) -- Marines from the Special Purpose Marine Air/Ground Task Force St. Bernard had a change of plans this week as Hurricane Rita aimed in on the Gulf Coast. Only a few days ago, the SPMAGTAF was getting ready to say goodbye to the storm-ravaged New Orleans area to leave continuing relief efforts in the hands of capable professionals. Now, the task force has relocated and reorganized in theatre to prepare for round two.
Only a few weeks ago, Katrina was the only lady in the life of the SPMAGTAF. Today, the spotlight belongs to Hurricane Rita, who’s packing a potential punch not only to the shores of Texas, but also to the already damaged New Orleans area.
Lt. Col. Daniel D. Kelly, executive officer for the task force, explained the sudden change of wind for his previously homeward bound unit.
“We’ve moved major units either onboard ships or outlying areas that survived the storm last time in preparation for being ready to come back in and take care of situations in New Orleans,” he said. “The hurricane isn’t tracking to hit here, but the storm surge could cause additional damage and we may need to come back down here and start operations all over again.”
Staff Sgt. Marcus Barrus, the administrative chief for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is in charge of keeping a head count of all personnel attached with the SPMAGTAF. He broke down the numbers to show how the reorganization of assets meets the mission of mitigating damage after the storm blows over.
“The Marines from (1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment) previously at Michoud (NASA Assembly Facility) has been moved onto the (USS) Iwo Jima,” he said, “We have some Marines who have moved to Gulfport and Meridian, Miss. also.” Barrus also indicated all Marines who were in Slidell will stay put for the storm, which is anticipated to hit within the next few days.
“The big concern was that we had a lot of Marines, specifically who were hanging out in the field. We wanted to move them in to a structured area and out of open areas. It’s a more safe environment for them.”
Kelly acknowledged the weakened state of New Orleans due to the breakage of the city’s levee system, which had previously held the tide back from the city, which is largely situated below sea level. However, the SPMAGTAF has also considered making tracks wherever Rita’s devastation hits hardest.
The logic behind all the relocating gives all Marines attached to the SPMAGTAF a safe place to hunker down through the high winds and pounding rain. After the skies clear a little, they’ll be ready to step up to the plate immediately, if necessary.
“We’re considering other operations where we have Marines slated to go to Galveston, Texas,” he said, referring to Rita’s most high-profile target thus far, “We’ll be ready to support operations that happen in that area.”
“The Iwo Jima is basically a storm chaser,” said Barrus, “hopefully, we can provide an immediate response wherever they need us most.”
Cpl. Christian Womble, a supply warehouseman with the 24th MEU, has been busy organizing, accounting and packing shipping containers to anchor the Marines’ effects from the expected winds.
“I’m expecting the worst, but hoping for the best,” he said, summarizing the can-do attitude of the Marines on an extended mission.
“We, as Marines, are always flexible,” said Kelly, “In our planning and direction, we set ourselves up to be that way. We’re able to go in all four cardinal directions,” he said confidently, “It’ll be interesting to see where it hits landfall and the effects we’ll deal with.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....6a?OpenDocument
Submitted by: 24th MEU
Story by: Computed Name: Sgt. Tracee L. Jackson
Story Identification #: 2005921195638
NEW ORLEANS--(Sept. 21, 2005) -- Marines from the Special Purpose Marine Air/Ground Task Force St. Bernard had a change of plans this week as Hurricane Rita aimed in on the Gulf Coast. Only a few days ago, the SPMAGTAF was getting ready to say goodbye to the storm-ravaged New Orleans area to leave continuing relief efforts in the hands of capable professionals. Now, the task force has relocated and reorganized in theatre to prepare for round two.
Only a few weeks ago, Katrina was the only lady in the life of the SPMAGTAF. Today, the spotlight belongs to Hurricane Rita, who’s packing a potential punch not only to the shores of Texas, but also to the already damaged New Orleans area.
Lt. Col. Daniel D. Kelly, executive officer for the task force, explained the sudden change of wind for his previously homeward bound unit.
“We’ve moved major units either onboard ships or outlying areas that survived the storm last time in preparation for being ready to come back in and take care of situations in New Orleans,” he said. “The hurricane isn’t tracking to hit here, but the storm surge could cause additional damage and we may need to come back down here and start operations all over again.”
Staff Sgt. Marcus Barrus, the administrative chief for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is in charge of keeping a head count of all personnel attached with the SPMAGTAF. He broke down the numbers to show how the reorganization of assets meets the mission of mitigating damage after the storm blows over.
“The Marines from (1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment) previously at Michoud (NASA Assembly Facility) has been moved onto the (USS) Iwo Jima,” he said, “We have some Marines who have moved to Gulfport and Meridian, Miss. also.” Barrus also indicated all Marines who were in Slidell will stay put for the storm, which is anticipated to hit within the next few days.
“The big concern was that we had a lot of Marines, specifically who were hanging out in the field. We wanted to move them in to a structured area and out of open areas. It’s a more safe environment for them.”
Kelly acknowledged the weakened state of New Orleans due to the breakage of the city’s levee system, which had previously held the tide back from the city, which is largely situated below sea level. However, the SPMAGTAF has also considered making tracks wherever Rita’s devastation hits hardest.
The logic behind all the relocating gives all Marines attached to the SPMAGTAF a safe place to hunker down through the high winds and pounding rain. After the skies clear a little, they’ll be ready to step up to the plate immediately, if necessary.
“We’re considering other operations where we have Marines slated to go to Galveston, Texas,” he said, referring to Rita’s most high-profile target thus far, “We’ll be ready to support operations that happen in that area.”
“The Iwo Jima is basically a storm chaser,” said Barrus, “hopefully, we can provide an immediate response wherever they need us most.”
Cpl. Christian Womble, a supply warehouseman with the 24th MEU, has been busy organizing, accounting and packing shipping containers to anchor the Marines’ effects from the expected winds.
“I’m expecting the worst, but hoping for the best,” he said, summarizing the can-do attitude of the Marines on an extended mission.
“We, as Marines, are always flexible,” said Kelly, “In our planning and direction, we set ourselves up to be that way. We’re able to go in all four cardinal directions,” he said confidently, “It’ll be interesting to see where it hits landfall and the effects we’ll deal with.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....6a?OpenDocument
Squad leader uses language skills on patrols
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200592125352
Story by Cpl. Ken Melton
HIT, Iraq (Sept. 21, 2005) -- When Sgt. Keith M. Wagner, a squad leader with 3rd Platoon, K Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, learned he would be deploying to Iraq last year, he enrolled in the Survival Level Arabic Course to communicate with the people.
He became so interested in the language and the people that he began studying independently in his spare time and after classes with his teacher who is from Baghdad.
A year later, as he walks the streets of Hit, one would think he was a linguist because of his proficiency in the language. But he insists that he is still learning about the language and its people.
“The more time I spend here working with the people, the more I learn,” the Drums, Penn., native said. “I’ve learned so many new words and dialects and still find out new things each day.”
Wagner’s interest led him to volunteer to stay after his initial deployment with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, who departed in February. He received orders to 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines and continues to put his mastery of the language to use.
His language skills are a great help when it comes to working with the Iraqi soldiers and it even helps build camaraderie amongst them.
“For an American who is not a translator, but a fellow troop, that can speak their language is very commendable to them,” the 2001 Columbia County Christian School graduate said. “They always come and talk to me when they have any questions about Americans and our country.”
In addition to helping the Iraqis understand American troops, he also educates his Marines on customs and courtesies of the people in their area.
While the language barrier is often frustrating to most squad leaders trying to communicate with the Iraqi Security Force soldiers, Wagner is able to brief the ISF and explain their movements so they can accomplish their missions more efficiently. He even teaches them other troop leadership movements, which they incorporate into their everyday missions.
During patrols, Wagner speaks with people who are often surprised to learn that he speaks their language.
“It helps establish an instant connection with them,” the 22-year-old said. “I think that taking the time to learn their language garners their respect.”
With his knowledge, he more easily solves problems and answers questions. He knows that simple things, such as how to properly greet and say goodbye, leaves people with a better impression of Multi-National Forces.
As he prepares to return home, his interest in the Arabic language and the culture that surrounds it has shaped his future ambitions.
“I want to attend Temple University and learn more about Middle Eastern languages and cultures,” Wagner said smiling. “I hope to return to this country one day and see it with a stable government, a successful military and no insurgency… and to think I had a small part to play in it.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....50?opendocument
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200592125352
Story by Cpl. Ken Melton
HIT, Iraq (Sept. 21, 2005) -- When Sgt. Keith M. Wagner, a squad leader with 3rd Platoon, K Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, learned he would be deploying to Iraq last year, he enrolled in the Survival Level Arabic Course to communicate with the people.
He became so interested in the language and the people that he began studying independently in his spare time and after classes with his teacher who is from Baghdad.
A year later, as he walks the streets of Hit, one would think he was a linguist because of his proficiency in the language. But he insists that he is still learning about the language and its people.
“The more time I spend here working with the people, the more I learn,” the Drums, Penn., native said. “I’ve learned so many new words and dialects and still find out new things each day.”
Wagner’s interest led him to volunteer to stay after his initial deployment with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, who departed in February. He received orders to 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines and continues to put his mastery of the language to use.
His language skills are a great help when it comes to working with the Iraqi soldiers and it even helps build camaraderie amongst them.
“For an American who is not a translator, but a fellow troop, that can speak their language is very commendable to them,” the 2001 Columbia County Christian School graduate said. “They always come and talk to me when they have any questions about Americans and our country.”
In addition to helping the Iraqis understand American troops, he also educates his Marines on customs and courtesies of the people in their area.
While the language barrier is often frustrating to most squad leaders trying to communicate with the Iraqi Security Force soldiers, Wagner is able to brief the ISF and explain their movements so they can accomplish their missions more efficiently. He even teaches them other troop leadership movements, which they incorporate into their everyday missions.
During patrols, Wagner speaks with people who are often surprised to learn that he speaks their language.
“It helps establish an instant connection with them,” the 22-year-old said. “I think that taking the time to learn their language garners their respect.”
With his knowledge, he more easily solves problems and answers questions. He knows that simple things, such as how to properly greet and say goodbye, leaves people with a better impression of Multi-National Forces.
As he prepares to return home, his interest in the Arabic language and the culture that surrounds it has shaped his future ambitions.
“I want to attend Temple University and learn more about Middle Eastern languages and cultures,” Wagner said smiling. “I hope to return to this country one day and see it with a stable government, a successful military and no insurgency… and to think I had a small part to play in it.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....50?opendocument
Rolling Thunder rides into air station
Submitted by: MCAS New River
Story Identification #: 20059219219
Story by Lance Cpl. Michael Angelo
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (Sept. 21, 2005) -- The thunder rolled as Marines and sailors here waved the North Carolina Rolling Thunder through the Station gates Sept. 10. Even though the personnel may not have seen the group, they heard them.
All five chapters of the North Carolina Rolling Thunder, a motorcycle group dedicated to remembering service members who are prisoners of war or missing in action, hosted their annual picnic at the Station Marina.
Col. Stephen L. Forand, MCAS New River commanding officer, personally welcomed the group during the table ceremony.
Forand stated that he was honored to host the event. During his speech, he emphasized the that Americans need to remember those left behind.
“We keep going and hope it all goes away," he said. "But, it is up to all Americans to keep their memory alive.”
“American’s should never forget those Americans who have answered their nation’s call to duty,” said Hank Hangsleben, the NC-5 president. “A man is not dead until he is forgotten; never forget.”
Also during the ceremony, members of Rolling Thunder read aloud the names of 44 North Carolina Vietnam veterans who are still classified as POW or MIA.
After the ceremony, the group rode in formation to the Station Marina where they toured some of the station’s facilities.
“Everyone enjoyed seeing the (MV-22) Osprey and especially enjoyed the (Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer),” said NC-5 Vice President Dave Lynch. “It was good for everyone to see some of the new technology; a lot of these guys are from Vietnam era. But, just like the colonel said, it isn’t technology over there fighting the war, it’s the Marines, and everyone enjoyed seeing the new generation of Marines.”
In addition to thanking station personnel for allowing the picnic to take place, Rolling Thunder wanted to thank all service members for answering their nation’s callto duty.
For more information about Rolling Thunder, go to their Web site at www.rollingthunder1.com.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...0F?opendocument
Submitted by: MCAS New River
Story Identification #: 20059219219
Story by Lance Cpl. Michael Angelo
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (Sept. 21, 2005) -- The thunder rolled as Marines and sailors here waved the North Carolina Rolling Thunder through the Station gates Sept. 10. Even though the personnel may not have seen the group, they heard them.
All five chapters of the North Carolina Rolling Thunder, a motorcycle group dedicated to remembering service members who are prisoners of war or missing in action, hosted their annual picnic at the Station Marina.
Col. Stephen L. Forand, MCAS New River commanding officer, personally welcomed the group during the table ceremony.
Forand stated that he was honored to host the event. During his speech, he emphasized the that Americans need to remember those left behind.
“We keep going and hope it all goes away," he said. "But, it is up to all Americans to keep their memory alive.”
“American’s should never forget those Americans who have answered their nation’s call to duty,” said Hank Hangsleben, the NC-5 president. “A man is not dead until he is forgotten; never forget.”
Also during the ceremony, members of Rolling Thunder read aloud the names of 44 North Carolina Vietnam veterans who are still classified as POW or MIA.
After the ceremony, the group rode in formation to the Station Marina where they toured some of the station’s facilities.
“Everyone enjoyed seeing the (MV-22) Osprey and especially enjoyed the (Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer),” said NC-5 Vice President Dave Lynch. “It was good for everyone to see some of the new technology; a lot of these guys are from Vietnam era. But, just like the colonel said, it isn’t technology over there fighting the war, it’s the Marines, and everyone enjoyed seeing the new generation of Marines.”
In addition to thanking station personnel for allowing the picnic to take place, Rolling Thunder wanted to thank all service members for answering their nation’s callto duty.
For more information about Rolling Thunder, go to their Web site at www.rollingthunder1.com.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...0F?opendocument
Shiite Muslim Marine fights the war on terrorism with L Company, 3/25
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200592031836
Story by Cpl. Ken Melton
HIT, Al Anbar, Iraq (Sept. 20, 2005) -- As a young boy growing up in Pakistan, Lance Cpl. Sajjad H. Rizvi, witnessed terrorists killing people of his faith and terrorizing those who wouldn’t comply with their way of life.
More than a decade later, with memories of his past weighing heavy on his mind, Rizvi has dedicated himself to bringing terrorists to justice as a United States Marine.
Rizvi is a fireteam leader with 1st platoon, L Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, recently participated in Regimental Combat Team 2’s Operation Sword.
“I’ve always wanted to be a Marine to help people who were suffering like my people were,” said Rizvi who is a Shia Muslim. “I wanted to be a part of a warrior tradition like those of my religion.”
Rizvi was born in the United States, but his family moved to Karachi in the southern part of Pakistan when he was seven.
For ten years, he watched religiously-motivated killings and discrimination from members of different faith backgrounds.
After graduating from school in Pakistan, he moved back to America and graduated from Westerville South High School in 1998.
He joined the Marine Corps in 2003 while attending college at Columbus State University. Soon after, he found out he was deploying.
“I saw this as a chance to give back to my country (America) and my religion,” said the 25-year-old. “I believe in this mission and I have no regret about being over here.”
As he walks along the streets of Hit and other cities in Iraq, he passes Mosques he cannot enter due to sensitivity concerns. Although he understands the rules, he would love to experience visiting the local holy sites.
“I often tell occupants of the home I’m searching that I’m a Muslim and it puts them more at ease,” Rizvi said.
Rizvi speaks Urdu, a variation of Arabic, and assists the Marines in operations and is learning how to speak basic Arabic.
Being an Islamic Marine has really helped break down barriers between people who want to learn more about the Islamic way of life.
“I joined after the 9/11 tragedy and I was never discriminated against because of my nationality or religious background like I had been before,” Rizvi said. “Many people have this misconception that the Muslim community is like what the insurgents portray it as, which is totally untrue.
"I often explain to many of my fellow Marines the customs and sayings of other Muslim people so that they can respond in a respectable manner,” he said.
Even with Rizvi’s positive experience in the Marine Corps, it has not been without tragedy as he has lost several fellow Marines in battles. He said it reminds him of the slaughter of innocents when he was younger.
“I saw some of my brothers die, but I continue to fight not only for them but for my religion,” Rizvi said. “Because, through my actions, I can bring peace between two of the most important things in my life ... my country and my religion.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....EE?opendocument
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200592031836
Story by Cpl. Ken Melton
HIT, Al Anbar, Iraq (Sept. 20, 2005) -- As a young boy growing up in Pakistan, Lance Cpl. Sajjad H. Rizvi, witnessed terrorists killing people of his faith and terrorizing those who wouldn’t comply with their way of life.
More than a decade later, with memories of his past weighing heavy on his mind, Rizvi has dedicated himself to bringing terrorists to justice as a United States Marine.
Rizvi is a fireteam leader with 1st platoon, L Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, recently participated in Regimental Combat Team 2’s Operation Sword.
“I’ve always wanted to be a Marine to help people who were suffering like my people were,” said Rizvi who is a Shia Muslim. “I wanted to be a part of a warrior tradition like those of my religion.”
Rizvi was born in the United States, but his family moved to Karachi in the southern part of Pakistan when he was seven.
For ten years, he watched religiously-motivated killings and discrimination from members of different faith backgrounds.
After graduating from school in Pakistan, he moved back to America and graduated from Westerville South High School in 1998.
He joined the Marine Corps in 2003 while attending college at Columbus State University. Soon after, he found out he was deploying.
“I saw this as a chance to give back to my country (America) and my religion,” said the 25-year-old. “I believe in this mission and I have no regret about being over here.”
As he walks along the streets of Hit and other cities in Iraq, he passes Mosques he cannot enter due to sensitivity concerns. Although he understands the rules, he would love to experience visiting the local holy sites.
“I often tell occupants of the home I’m searching that I’m a Muslim and it puts them more at ease,” Rizvi said.
Rizvi speaks Urdu, a variation of Arabic, and assists the Marines in operations and is learning how to speak basic Arabic.
Being an Islamic Marine has really helped break down barriers between people who want to learn more about the Islamic way of life.
“I joined after the 9/11 tragedy and I was never discriminated against because of my nationality or religious background like I had been before,” Rizvi said. “Many people have this misconception that the Muslim community is like what the insurgents portray it as, which is totally untrue.
"I often explain to many of my fellow Marines the customs and sayings of other Muslim people so that they can respond in a respectable manner,” he said.
Even with Rizvi’s positive experience in the Marine Corps, it has not been without tragedy as he has lost several fellow Marines in battles. He said it reminds him of the slaughter of innocents when he was younger.
“I saw some of my brothers die, but I continue to fight not only for them but for my religion,” Rizvi said. “Because, through my actions, I can bring peace between two of the most important things in my life ... my country and my religion.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....EE?opendocument
050922-N-0000X-001 Gulf of Mexico (Sept. 22, 2005) – GOES-12 Satellite infrared image provided by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Monterey, Calif., showing the status of Hurricane Rita at 3:30 am EST. Rita, currently 490 miles Southeast of Galveston, Texas, was upgraded to a Category 5 storm late Wednesday with 170 mph winds, sparking an order for mandatory evacuations in New Orleans and Galveston, Texas. The Military Sealift Command (MSC) hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) and other ships involved in Hurricane Katrina relief operations have been ordered to sortie in advance of Rita’s arrival. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)
Marines and sailors endure heat wave in Afghanistan
Submitted by: MCB 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.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....18?opendocument
Submitted by: MCB 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.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....18?opendocument
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