Cpl. Titisha S. Cochran

Hard Charging Marine Excels In Desert


By Pfc. Bronwyn M. Meyer / U.S. Army

KUWAIT — A Marine in Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom has gained the respect and admiration of her superiors and peers with her exceptional work ethic and extensive knowledge of the CH-53E Super Stallion.

Cpl. Titisha S. Cochran, HMH-462 aviation electronics technician and Atlanta native, won the Sikorsky Maintenance Award, was nominated for the Maintenance Marine of the Year, and is the first woman to be a Collateral Duty Inspector for her squadron.

Cochran works on the CH-53E Super Stallion, a heavy lifter helicopter that is used to transport supplies, ammo and military personnel.

Cochran works 11 to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, said Sgt. Joshua Dow, HMH-462 aviation electronics technician and Fairfield, Calif., native.

"She's one of the hardest workers we have in the shop," he said.

The Sikrorsky Maintenance Award is a quarterly award given out by the makers of the Super Stallion and it is the highest squadron award, said Cochran. She received this award when she was deployed in Afghanistan.

More recently Cochran was nominated for the highest maintenance award, Maintenance Marine of the Year.

"She's the one who most deserves it," said Staff Sgt. Darrell H. Springer, HMH-462 day crew work center supervisor and Lorrain, Ohio, native.

Cochran was nominated because of her attitude, knowledge and drive, said Springer.

"She can be counted on anytime she is tasked with something," said Master Sgt. Dale Marsh, HMH-462 avionics chief. "She is an outstanding Marine. She goes above and beyond."



Cpl. Titisha S. Cochran, Marine Heavy Helicopter squadron 462 aviation electronics technician and Atlanta native, works on a CH53-E Super Stallion. Cochran is nominated for Maintenance Marine of the Year. Defense Department photo by Pfc. Bronwyn M. Meyer, U.S. Army

She also takes younger Marines under her wing and teaches them everything she knows.

"She is a good instructor for junior Marines," said Dow.

As a collateral duty inspector, Cochran also inspects the maintenance that other Marines perform on the Super Stallions. She is the first woman CDI in HMH-462, said Dow. A Marine must have comprehensive knowledge of the CH-53E and have the trust of the commanding officer to be a CDI, he said.

"I wish I had 10 more like her," said Springer. "She's pretty incredible."

Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Gentian Marku

Bravo Company Infantryman
Returns Home to Albania

By Gunnery Sgt. Mark E. Bradley
26th MEU (SOC) Public Affairs

ABOARD USS IWO JIMA - When Lance Cpl. Gentian Marku arrived in the U.S. from Albania nearly six years ago, the only English phrases the 14-year-old boy knew were, "Hello, how are you? Fine, thank you. And you?"

Marku recently returned to Albania during the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit's (Special Operations Capable) two-week amphibious landing exercise, ADRIATIC PHIBLEX 3-03. An assistant automatic rifleman in Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Marku demonstrated his present day English language proficiency by serving as the MEU's principal Albanian linguist.

"I never thought I would come back here as a Marine," Marku said. "It makes me proud to be here and do something for both my countries." Marku's language skills were in high demand during the training exercise. For example, Marku translated for the Marine and Albanian guards manning the gates to the Tirane-Rinas Airfield, the site of the MEU combat operations center, enabling the Marine and Albanian guards to communicate with one another and members of the local populace approaching the gate. By translating Albanian newspaper articles and television broadcasts each day, Marku advised the 26th MEU (SOC) leaders of the local community's support for the Marines' exercise there. Additionally, Marku accompanied and translated for the MEU commander during an official visit with several Albanian military and civilian leaders.

Marku said that watching the surprised reactions of the Albanian citizens and military leaders when they first heard him speak to them in nearly perfect Albanian was one of his most memorable experiences. "I feel that the Albanians have a lot of respect for me for being a U.S. Marine," he said. "I also enjoyed meeting people in town and seeing how things have changed since I left."

In particular, Marku noticed the increased physical presence of the Albanian military. Marku left the former Soviet republic of Albania in the late 1990s, at the height of civil unrest. A government scandal left the already impoverished country bankrupt. The bankruptcy caused widespread unrest and Albanians lashed out at the government and overran military installations, causing the country's government to collapse. Marku said that before he and his family fled Albania in 1997, Albanian military arsenals were looted, leaving the Albanian military presence virtually ineffective.

Marku's path to becoming a Marine began in 1997 when his Albanian father won the U.S. State Department's Diversity Visa Lottery and moved his family to Warren, Mich. This immigration program affords randomly selected foreign applicants, like Marku's family, the opportunity to migrate to the U.S. in search of better opportunities.

Marku said that this welcome opportunity resulted in positive changes in his behavior. As a teenager in Albania, Marku was a troublemaker and was suspended from school for throwing an eraser at a new teacher, he said. Marku recalled the unrest that gripped Albania at that time, and said that as a youth he often did not attend school and chose instead to spend time with his friends.

"Everything changed when I got to the United States," he said. His father enforced stricter rules than Marku had previously been accustomed to. With his limited English skills, Marku initially had difficulty making new friends. "I started studying. I stayed out of trouble and I got my first job as a busboy at a Bob's Big Boy restaurant. I had never worked before in my life," he said.

Marku's father, a former 'first captain' in the Albanian military police, had a favorable impression of the Marines, after having participated in a 1995 Marine training exercise in Albania. Upon learning of his son's interest in U.S. military service, Marku's father recommended that he join the Marine Corps, and his father's recommendation was a significant factor in Marku's decision to join the Marines in April 2002. After completing recruit training and the School of Infantry, Marku joined Bravo Company in August 2002, where he was assigned to Third Platoon.

Six years after leaving Albania via the Tirane-Rinas International Airport, Marku stood at the airport again as he prepared for the challenging two-week training exercise. Although his extended family in Albania had no idea that Marku was coming home, his



Ndue Marku greets his nephew at the Tirane-Rinas Airfield. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Mark E. Bradley



Lance Cpl. Marku translates the daily newspaper in Albania. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Mark E. Bradley

favorite uncle, Ndue Marku, began to piece together the clues and made his way to the airport to meet his nephew. Ndue explained that his local television news program announced that U.S. Marines were landing in Durres, Albania for a military exercise. When the report indicated that the Marines were from North Carolina, Ndue said that he became very emotional and thought his nephew could possibly be one of the Marines. He was overjoyed when he learned that his hunch was right.

"Six years ago, a kid left Albania and today a man stands before me who is part of the greatest military force in the world," Ndue said. "I am happy he decided to join the Marines. It shows me that he is very proud of the country where he now lives."

The Marku family quickly learned that their Marine was home. During the busy exercise, the Marine Corps provided Marku an opportunity to visit with his entire family at his grandparents' home.

Following the successful exercise in Albania and with the MEU back at sea, Marku rejoined his platoon on the USS Nashville. He is still undecided as to whether he will reenlist in the Marine Corps, he said, and he looks forward to what lies ahead on this deployment. It will be a tough decision whether to stay in or leave the Corps after this first enlistment, Marku said. Marku's future plans include becoming a Warren police officer and possibly getting married, he said with a smile.

Today's Albania is much different than the chaotic one Marku left as a boy. With a growing economy and vast improvements in nearly every area, Albania is "well along the path to full membership" into NATO in the years ahead, said U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld during a recent visit to the Albanian capital. Last month, U.S. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell also visited Albania to sign an agreement supporting the admittance of Albania, Macedonia and Croatia into the alliance.

Marku is happy with the MEU and is proud to call himself a Marine. "The best part of being a Marine is the honor associated with it," he said. "There are many out there who would like to call themselves 'Marine,' but few have the courage to try it."

Marku feels blessed to have had the kinds of opportunities that he has had and credits many people for assisting him along the way. Among them, Marku recalls an English teacher who spent countless hours with him at Warren Woods Tower High School and with whom he continues to correspond today.

" When we talk, she still teases me by saying, 'Hello, how are you? Fine, thank you. And you?'" he said.

Since the MEU's exercise in Albania, Marku has rejoined his platoon aboard the USS Nashville as the 26th MEU steams forward on its deployment.

Using his powers of communication, Staff Sgt. Gabriel Cano, senior drill instructor, Platoon 3086, Company I, gives his platoon a motivational speech before the final drill competition. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jess Levens.

U.S. Marine Corps
Staff Sgt. Gabriel Cano

Communication Equals Success
Senior Drill Instructor Uses Communication to Find Success in Life

By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Shawn Toussaint

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. — A phone rings as recruits respond to a drill instructor's commands in Building 585, Squad Bay B2. An energetic voice greets the caller: "Platoon 3086, senior drill instructor Staff Sgt. Cano speaking."

Transforming young men into Marines is enough to keep anybody busy, but judging by how many times this drill instructor's phone rings in a five-minute span, Staff Sgt. Gabriel Cano from Company I is especially busy.

When Cano is communicating, whether by phone, e-mail or face-to-face, he said he is at his best. "Communication is the key to teamwork, and it takes teamwork to make Marines," said Cano.

"He is able to balance a caring attitude, and at the same time, bring us to understand mission accomplishment and core values," said PFC Daniel A. Elborne, Platoon 3086. "His words encourage and motivate the platoon."

His ability to communicate with his peers, subordinates and supervisors has earned him the Dan Daly Award, which goes to the best drill instructor in a given company. Cano's ability to teach young men is a testament to his professionalism as a drill instructor, according to Staff Sgt. Chad O. James, chief drill instructor, Co. I.

Cano's ascent to being top drill instructor in the company did not come without pitfalls. Like many new drill instructors, Cano suffered growing pains during his first cycle, according to Sgt. Manuel Ramirez, a fellow Platoon 3086 drill instructor. Ramirez has worked on the drill field with Cano as a superior and as a subordinate.

"His first cycle was challenging and frustrating," said Ramirez. "He needed to be more assertive and confident in his ability to teach."

Cano quickly learned that he needed help from the more experienced drill instructors in his company. This was when he would exercise an important communication concept: listening.

Cano quickly gained knowledge and respect within the company, and he soon became a drill instructor that his superiors would recommend to new drill instructors.

"I am very grateful to the drill instructors who mentored me and showed me how to be an effective drill instructor," said Cano. "Through teamwork and cooperation, the tough times were overcome. Now it is my turn to help someone else."

Just as communication is essential on the drill field, it is important with family.

"Being a drill instructor has helped me realize how valuable the time I spend with my family is," said Cano. "I thank Christina for her strength. Without her, my success would not have been possible. My advice to new drill instructors would be to communicate with their spouses and always keep them informed."

According to Cano, his six-year-old son Christian has already shown interest in becoming a Marine.

"Christina said 'he wants to have his room painted camouflage just like daddy's uniform,'" said Cano.

If Christian does decide to join the Corps, he and his father will be the only two members of Cano's immediate family to serve. Cano said that the decision he made eight years ago is one of the best he's ever made.

"I didn't want to be flipping burgers," Cano said about his plans after graduating from Oso High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. "I didn't want to go to college. I wanted to do something different."

Doing something different meant joining the Marines, which was difficult to communicate to his mother. "She did not want to see her youngest son run off and join the Marines," said Cano.

However, after she saw what the Corps did for her son as he marched across the parade deck February 1996, she was prouder than ever, according to Cano. He now makes other mothers proud by helping to transform their sons into Marines.

According to Cano's peers and superiors, his ability to communicate and his willingness to work with a team has answered the call to success when training recruits.

U.S. Marine Corps
Staff Sgt. Eric Alva

'Credit to the Corps,' Hispanic
War Veteran Honored


Story by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matt Griffin

AUSTIN, Texas, July 23, 2003 — Less than four months ago, Staff Sgt. Eric Alva nearly died. On March 21, while serving with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in Iraq, Alva stepped on a landmine. He broke his right arm and his right leg was damaged so badly it needed to be amputated.

However, his sufferings haven't dampened his mind and spirit. This was obvious to all who saw Alva accept the Heroes and Heritage Award July 13, at the National Council of La Raza during a special salute to Hispanics military presentation.

Major General Christopher Cortez, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruiting Command in Quantico, Va., was on stage and presented Alva with his award.

"SSgt. Alva is a credit to the Corps," said Maj. Gen. Christopher Cortez. "We are grateful for his faithful service and proud to honor him today."

The NCLR honored several other Hispanic war veterans during the two-hour presentation. The Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation (MOPHF) and Four Brown Hats Entertainment (FBHE) entertained participants with excerpts from their stage play, "Veteranos: A Legacy of Valor." The play is an educational theatrical tribute to the 39 Latino Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. In addition, President Jose Maria Aznar of Spain presented a speech to a captive audience that concluded his visit to the United States.

Alva's mother and father both had tears in their eyes as Alva spoke to the crowd about his experiences in Iraq.

"It was our worst nightmare," said Alva's mother, Lois.

Alva is currently in rehabilitation in his hometown of San Antonio, and his parents have been there for his recovery and are not altogether surprised at his amazing progress.

"I knew that once he was out of the pain, he'd work very hard," his mother said.

"He makes me proud of all the members of the Armed Forces serving in uniform," said Alva's father, Fidelis, who served in the Army in Vietnam.

Talking to Alva, he seemed overwhelmed by it all, saying that the past few months seem like they happened to someone else.

When asked about his injuries, his eyes clouded over as he tried to remember the day his life changed forever.



Major General Christopher Cortez (left), Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, commends Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the 2003 recipient of the Heroes and Heritage Award, for his strength and determination. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matt Griffin

"The first thing that went was my hearing, it was like fireworks," Alva said. "My hearing got this loud ringing, as I fell to the ground I didn't know the extent of my injuries. People were cutting off my suit to see what happened. It seems like tons of tourniquets were being applied, I couldn't feel the bottom half of my legs. When I woke up during recovery, I saw that the lower right half of my leg was gone below the knee."

Thirteen days later, while at Bethesda Medical Center, his knee was removed because there was not enough muscle tissue to allow for the proper use of prosthesis. Meanwhile Alva remains steadfast and optimistic.

"It seems like a long road, but it's only been almost four months, and I've already been walking for three weeks," Alva said. "It's hard to believe that if someone had told me while I was lying in Iraq that I'd be walking in three months, I'd never have believed them. I can never begin to tell what enormous pain I've gone through."

He added, "I went through countless nights of agony and tears but there was never any doubt, I kept faith that I could recover, and I'm still recovering."

When asked about his goals for the future, Alva says he wants to run the Marine Corps Marathon again, which he ran several times in the 90's.

U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Andrei V. Teterin

Marine Remembers His Roots: Russian Native Returns for Visit


Story by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Danny L. Patterson

ABOARD USS FORT MCHENRY — Bridging the communication gap between Russians and U.S. servicemen might sound like a difficult task for a lance corporal. It may seem like an even more difficult task if that lance corporal is not a Russian linguist by military occupational specialty (MOS)... in this case a combat engineer.

For one Marine, Lance Cpl. Andrei V. Teterin, all this is possible and can be performed somewhat easily. He was born in Petrozavodsk, State Karelia, Russia and lived there for 20 years before moving to the U.S.

Recently, Teterin had the opportunity for the first time in his career as a Marine to use his knowledge in Russian for the Marine Corps when he was deployed to Vladivostok, Russia for a friendship port visit with Combat Assault Battalion.

During his time on deployment, he performed many tasks including translating for the command and Russian visitors, conducting training in his MOS and transcribing the placards for the displays of military equipment aboard the USS Fort McHenry.

When he was growing up in Russia, he said never dreamed that he would ever serve in the U.S. military; or even better, become a U.S. Marine.

He moved to Walled Lake, Michigan in 1998 with his mother and sister in hopes of gaining citizenship in the U.S. He had a friend who enlisted into the U.S. Army Reserves, and decided to look into the military as a career option.

"I thought about joining the Army, but I wanted to be in the toughest force so I went to see the Marine Corps recruiter," Teterin explained.

Since he had graduated college in Russia with a bachelor's degree in construction engineering, he said he already knew which job he wanted in the Marines.

"I wanted to do anything with construction so I could learn more and further my skills, so I enlisted as a combat engineer," Teterin added.

Teterin said he is proud to be not only the first U.S. Marine in his family but also the first to serve in the U.S. military.

"I am proud to serve the country and know that I am in the best service in the U.S. military," Teterin said.

Teterin said his first language was Russian, but he took some German classes in high school as well. Before coming to America, he did not speak English.

"I learned English by watching television, reading and talking to people," Teterin explained. "I can speak pretty good English now, but I am still learning."

Teterin said he anticipated the return to his home country and had a few items on his "to-do" list.



U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrei V. Teterin, combat engineer for Combat Engineer Company, Combat Assault Battalion, scans the area for security during a training patrol in the Central Training Area. Among the many jobs he has as a Marine, Teterin recently served as a translator during a port visit to Vladivostok, Russia. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Danny L. Patterson

"I am looking forward to helping translate for the visit, meeting new people, seeing the battle sights and museums and eating Russian food," Teterin said with a smile.

Teterin said he feels proud to serve as a translator and hopes he can make a difference for the better during this experience.

"My main goal is to bring the two countries together by communication and help them understand each other," Teterin said.

According to Sgt. John J. Rojas, who was platoon guide for Combat Engineer Company during the deployment, he did just that.

"He was a big help while on the job and liberty," Rojas said. "On liberty, he asked the locals where the museums and points of interest were located and at work, he translated the placards for the vehicles and equipment from English to Russian."

Rojas alsosaid he was impressed by Teterin while on the deployment and said he had a lot of potential as a Marine.

"For the two weeks that I worked with him, he proved himself to be a very hard worker and also very professional. Overall, he did a great job," Rojas continued.

Now that he is back from the deployment, Teterin is back to his normal job as a combat engineer, but he also looks forward to another opportunity to use his skills whenever the Marine Corps may need him.

U.S. Marine Corps
Gunnery Sgt. Patrick J. Koch

Florida Marine Raises
Retriever to Aid Others


By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kristin S. Gambrell

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., July 30, 2003 -- In his beginning stages of instruction, the fluffy, golden-haired puppy observes scuba training as his teacher, Gunnery Sgt. Patrick J. Koch, demonstrates the doggy paddle.

Koch isn't raising Patriot, a 4-month-old golden retriever, to be a reconnaissance Marine like he is, but to be a service dog that will provide aid to people with visual, hearing and mobility impairments.

Patriot is one of six puppies from his litter to begin training as a service dog to work with a disabled person. He and his littermates are puppies from New Horizons Service Dogs, based in Orange City, Fla., and rely on "puppy raisers" like Koch to begin their education.

Puppy raising begins with volunteers fostering puppies once they turn eight weeks old. Koch, an Orlando, Fla., native said his job is to get Patriot used to people, take him to obedience classes, and give him a loving home during his first year. Patriot has been living with Koch for more than two months.

"I wanted to do something for someone," said the staff noncommissioned officer in charge, Reconnaissance Training Platoon, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. "This is a win-win situation for everyone involved."

Koch takes Patriot to work everyday as part of getting the puppy socialized, which he said his command supports all the way. The young dog goes with Koch to all the training exercises, such as pre-scuba classes, and he is constantly around the Marines, except during physical training.

"He is too young to take out to physical training," said Koch. "I'll have to wait for him to get older to challenge his legs to a good old-fashioned run."

Koch said he would like to build Patriot up to run the three-mile portion of the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test with him before Koch retires next year.

Having Patriot around the Marines not only teaches the dog how to be around people, but also teaches the Marines what service dogs do, said Koch. This type of socialization is important in Patriot's development.

"I am really impressed with Camp Lejeune and the Marines there for allowing the puppy to be raised on base," said Janet Severt, director, New Horizons Service Dogs. "It takes a lot of dedication on the individual's part."

Another way Koch is getting the puppy used to the public is by taking him to dog classes. At the classes, Patriot gets a lot of contact with other dogs.

"He is so calm compared to the other puppies," said Koch. "He sits and observes what is going on; it's like he knows what he has been born for. He was so well-behaved; this makes me so proud of the little fellow."

Now that Patriot is four months old, Koch is taking him into more public places so Patriot gets used to them. He often visits places like restaurants, malls and grocery stores.



Orlando, Fla., native Gunnery Sgt. Patrick J. Koch is raising Patriot, a 4-month-old golden retriever, to become a service dog for a disabled person. The reconnaissance Marine volunteered to foster the puppy through his first year of training for New Horizons Service Dogs in Orange City, Fla. Koch said his job as a "puppy raiser" is to get Patriot used to people, take him to obedience classes, and give him a loving home. " I believe this has opened my eyes in ways I thought were not possible," he explained. "Seeing the bond someone has with a service dog is really special, and knowing I am part of that is how this whole experience will, and is, changing my life." U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kristin S. Gambrell

"Some (people) test me when I try to take him in public places, but this gives me a chance to teach the public, perhaps educate people that would ordinarily have no idea this service exists," said Koch.

"I believe this has opened my eyes in ways I thought were not possible," he explained. "Seeing the bond someone has with a service dog is really special, and knowing I am part of that is how this whole experience will, and is, changing my life."

Once Patriot has been with Koch for a year, he will go back to New Horizons Service Dogs and move on to advanced training. Instructors there will teach Patriot how to do specific tasks for six more months. After completing the training, he will be ready for service with a disabled person.

"My ultimate goal is to have Patriot placed with a disabled veteran," said Koch. "I have no say in where he goes, but it would be nice to give back to the service.

"It will be hard to let him go," he added. "I have to focus on the mission at hand, and the mission at hand is for him to help someone with a disability."

U.S. Marine Corps
Gunnery Sgt. Deryck Dervin

Force Recon Team Leader Receives 2003 Johansen Award


By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt Kelly R. Koziol / 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)

ABOARD USS IWO JIMA, July 29, 2003 — A team leader with the Force Reconnaissance Detachment of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) got the biggest surprise of his career July 19 when he was awarded the 2003 Johansen Award recognizing him as the 2nd Force Recon Company's "Outstanding Marine of the Year."

Gunnery Sgt. Deryck Dervin, from Rockingham, N.C., did not know he was being considered for the award until he walked into a formation held in his honor aboard the USS Iwo Jima. "I had no idea until I walked in the room," said the team leader for Team Two, Sixth Platoon. "I can't think of a better feeling. It was a total surprise, especially being formerly a communications Marine," he said.

The award is given annually in memory of Capt. Peter J. Johansen who died January 16, 1963 in a training accident while parachuting with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company in North Carolina.

Many different aspects of a Marine's career are considered when deciding on an award such as the Johansen Award. They include the different qualifications earned while with "Force Recon" as well as all accomplishments achieved over the previous year.

According to the platoon sergeant for Sixth Platoon, Gunnery Sgt. Edward J. Lynch, Dervin was the clear choice out of the 28 Marines of his platoon. "Leadership by example. That is Gunny Dervin. He shows that day-to-day in the way he handles himself and leads his team," Lynch said.

Lynch was not alone in his enthusiastic recommendation of Dervin for the award, however. It was a collaborative nomination between Lynch, the platoon commander and the other team leaders of Sixth Platoon, Lynch said. Following Dervin's nomination at the platoon level, Lynch submitted his recommendation package for consideration.



Col. Andrew P. Frick (right) presents Gunnery Sgt. Dervin the 2003 Johansen award aboard the USS Iwo Jima.

Following an endorsement from the Sixth Platoon, the package was sent to 2nd Force Recon Company for review and a vote. Once endorsed by the company, Dervin's package was sent to the Force Reconnaissance Association for the final decision. The association, comprised of former, active duty and reserve 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company members, then chose a winner and notified Gunnery Sgt. Dervin's chain-of-command.

"He epitomizes what you want to represent your community and company," said Capt. Andrew R. Christian, Sixth Platoon commander. "We are very proud of him. A job well done," he said.

The Marine Expeditionary Unit commander, Col. Andrew P. Frick, was on hand to present the award and also commended Dervin on his accomplishment. "Gunny has been a mainstay. He is always around and always does a great job," he said.

Dervin and the rest of the Marines and sailors of the Marine Expeditionary Unit have reached the five-month mark in their scheduled eight-month deployment and are currently conducting operations off the coast of Africa.

U.S. Marine Corps
Sgt. Jose Norori Jr. &
Cpl. Edgard Norori

Brothers Give Life to Old Saying


By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jan Bender

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — Throughout history many have referred to the Marine Corps as a brotherhood or a "band of brothers." The hardships and trials Marines endure create eternal friendships and a unique brand of camaraderie. For two Marines here, the bond they share was fraternal before they ever enlisted.

The Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 aviation supply clerks, 23-year-old Sgt. Jose Norori Jr. and his 28-year-old brother, Cpl. Edgard Norori, have been by each other's side through thick and thin ever since they can remember.

"We were born and raised for the first part of our lives in Nicaragua," said Edgard.

"When I was 18 and Jose was 12 our family moved to Miami. I worked hard to learn English, started attending college and worked a steady job to pay for it."

Several years went by and Jose graduated high school and started down the same path his brother had taken.

"I started working and going to college as well, but I wanted something more," said Jose. "As kids, Edgard and I used to watch all the old war movies, and we talked about serving our country. We wanted to earn our citizenship honorably. The only thing holding me back from enlisting in the Corps was that I was waiting on my United States residency to be approved."

On March 3, 2000, both of the brothers were approved for their residency, and 25 days later Jose was in recruit training in Parris Island, S.C. Marine Combat Training (MCT) and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) School all went as expected for Jose, and he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif., for seven months when he received a phone call.

"Edgard called and told me he had joined the Corps on an open contract, made it through basic and MCT and was on his way to MOS school in Meridian, Mississippi," laughed Jose. "It turns out he was going to be in the same job field."

Now stationed together here, the two brothers work in the same shop and use the natural competitiveness that spawns between brothers to push one another.



Brothers Cpl. Edgard and Sgt. Jose Norori Jr. serve together with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jan Bender

"Just in day-to-day stuff we are always challenging one another," said Edgard. "The competitiveness between us is what makes us excel. No matter what it is I know he?s not but a few steps behind me, and that just makes me push more and the same goes for him."

Jose agreed with his brother and made a valid point as he said, "Sometimes my brother's years of experience pays off, and other times my age pays off."

Although the brothers are constantly at one another's throats when it comes to anything competitive, Jose said he couldn't ask for a closer friend.

"At the end of the day when I come in and I'm unlacing my boots I don't just have a friend to talk to, but I've got a brother," said Jose. "Throughout your career in the Corps you make friends, they come and go, but having a brother by your side is a real blessing."

U.S. Marine Corps
Maj. A. Che Bolden
Capt. Matthew C. Shortal

'TOPGUNs' bring lethal tactics to Miramar


By U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Paul Leicht

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif., Aug. 8, 2003 — Real-world combat experiences and advanced training can hammer home the importance of specialized, high-level instruction and flight leadership excellence.

Two F/A-18D Hornet crews here with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 (VMFA(AW)-225) recently completed six weeks of advanced Naval aviation training with TOPGUN, the Naval Fighter Weapons School at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev.

Now graduates of the prestigious school, Capt. Matthew C. Shortal, 31, pilot and training officer, VMFA(AW)-225, and Maj. A. Che Bolden, 32, Weapons and Sensors Officer, VMFA(AW)-225, are ready and eager to pass on lessons learned to their peers, ensuring that excellence in training leads to further victory in battle.

"TOPGUN is the pinnacle of Marine aviation," said Shortal, whose father flew A-4s and F-4s for the Marines during Vietnam. "For an F/A-18 pilot it's what everyone is trying to achieve. As far as the quality of instructors, assets and ranges at Fallon, it's the Mecca of training and what you get there is unparalleled. We were very excited to go."

Shortal, a native of Chicago and an accomplished triathlete, said he and Bolden were originally scheduled to go to TOPGUN in January 2003, but due to being deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) they expected to go when they returned. When OIF ended and the Vikings of VMFA(AW)-225 came home, Shortal and Bolden soon flew out to NAS Fallon for the next course, taking their combat experiences from Iraq with them.

"I went to TOPGUN with an open mind knowing we didn't have this level of training before," Bolden said. "The instructors up there at Fallon are great. One of them is one of the only active duty MiG killers in the Navy-Marine Corps community and is one of the best instructors out there."

Bolden, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with interests in history, added that he was very honored because going to TOPGUN represented a lot of trust from the squadron since not many Marines are sent to Fallon.

After an initial week of academic instruction, Shortal and Bolden spent every day at TOPGUN flying mostly air-to-air missions in a variety of scenarios; anything from one-on-one to one-on-two, one-on-three and one-on-four, in addition to some air-to-ground missions.

"TOPGUN was more of an air-to-air experience," Shortal said. "But since most of our missions over Iraq were air-to-ground, the experiences definitely came into play."

Unlike the Air Force's Red Flag program, which is focused on big-mission strike packages, TOPGUN gets into the minute details.

"Nothing is too small to fix at TOPGUN, which is good because I expect to do a job right with 100 percent effort," said Shortal. "At TOPGUN they have very high standards and as a pilot you are always striving for that perfect hop."

In keeping with the Marine Corps tradition of excellence, Shortal and Bolden went to TOPGUN with valuable leadership and lessons learned through years of flight training and recent combat experience during OIF.

Although experienced Naval aviators with many hours in the Hornet, Shortal and Bolden experienced something new in the skies over Iraq-being shot at for the first time in air combat.

"Our training prepares us for that, but you never know how you're going to react in the real situation when you're getting shot at or dropping bombs, so you need to be prepared for the possible end results," Shortal said. "We practice getting shot at, but when you see the real thing up there it takes a second for it to register that you're supposed to do something. That's when the training kicks in and you take it out. Even at night it was a scary and almost beautiful thing to see. It was like looking at the Fourth of July over Baghdad."

For Bolden, the experience was equally stirring from the backseat.

"The first time it was in low-light conditions and it was very surreal," said Bolden. "After the initial shock and you realize what's happening, the training kicks in and you do what you have to do. The more it happened the more we became almost desensitized to it and became more effective at neutralizing the threat. Our capabilities made us more confident as well."

Shortal, with more than 1,500 hours in the Hornet, said he and Bolden flew 37 missions over Iraq, including Forward Air Control (Airborne), Deep Air Strike, Close Air Support and Defensive Counter Air missions. Whatever the mission, Shortal and Bolden agreed flying in the two-seat version of the Hornet has definite advantages over the single seat versions.

"I knew the limitations of the Hornet and at TOPGUN I really learned how to fly the two-seater in an air-to-air environment," said Shortal. "Being a former single-seat guy, going to Fallon to learn how to deploy as a crew with Maj. Bolden in the back seat definitely made us more lethal."

As the crew's WSO, Bolden adds a check and balance element whose primary focus is on navigation using radar and navigational aids. According to Bolden, the Hornet is a unique aircraft because it can do essentially everything.



U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Matthew C. Shorthill (left) and Maj. A. Che Bolden stand next to a Viking F/A-18D Hornet on the flight line after a flight. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Paul Leicht

"The main advantage to the two-seat version is that the pilot is not the sole person responsible," Bolden said. "You have someone to back you up or to get in trouble with you and we frequently provide 'sanity checks' for one another. There are times when it's easier, but there are also times when you see crews that are on different pages who don't necessarily click all the time."

In certain situations, the pilot is able to focus on flying while the WSO can review maps or navigational aids, making the crew a very effective fighting team.

"It's often crucial to have a WSO, especially in combat when you're being shot at or when you're task saturated," explained Shortal. "But there is definitely a vital role for the single seat version of the Hornet. The Navy and Marine Corps team does it every day and they do it very well."

Teamwork also characterizes the relationship between pilot and WSO.

"We work as a team," said Bolden regarding the cooperation between himself and Shortal. "We've been flying together as a crew for seven months now and we work well together."

Looking beyond his crew, Bolden, who has flown with different pilots in his career, believes that as a squadron the Vikings take their strength from working as a team.

"You can throw us in the jet, tell us what to do and we'll find a way to make it work," said Bolden. "In OIF the teamwork concept worked like a champ."

Now, with their experiences from OIF and TOPGUN behind them, Shortal and Bolden said they look forward to new challenges as they continue to climb the flight-training pyramid.

With a new outlook on training, they both have been entrusted to pass on their knowledge to the other crews within their squadron, both new and veteran alike, so that their TOPGUN fighting experiences make the Vikings even more deadly in the air.

"I see the importance of it much more than ever before," explained Bolden. "When you see it in its purest application in a life and death situation, you see your training and how confident you are in a new light. Much of what we learned was validated. At TOPGUN, unfortunately much of what we did in OIF did not have extensive practical applications because it was mostly air-to-air since our missions in OIF were largely air-to-ground, which is our nature as Marines. But it does not mean that it won't apply to some other conflict in some other part of the world. It just so happened that the Iraqis didn't challenge us in that respect in the air."

Sustaining the force and providing CAS is what separates the Marines apart from the other services. For both Shortal and Bolden, this tradition of Marine aviation is closely cherished and serves as inspiration every day.

"When I talk to the guy on the ground, 90 percent of the time I know him, so I know what he's thinking and he knows what I'm thinking," explained Shortal. "There's a special bond between us as Marines that the Army and the Air Force doesn't have. My helmet cover is camouflage just like the Marines on the ground so we're all thinking on the same page."

Experience can be an excellent learning tool and with a new TOPGUN patch to add to his flight uniform, Bolden also recognizes the importance of the responsibility he now has to his fellow Marines.

"The best part of my job is hearing the relief in the voice of the Marine on the ground," said Bolden. "There were days in OIF when I was nervous until we checked in and heard that those Marines were OK. Passing on the knowledge gained from that experience and TOPGUN helps us to train harder and make sure that the Marines who follow us will be influenced by something I did that is incorporated in the tactics we learned. That legacy is better than anyone remembering your name."

Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt.
Sterling Michelle Gill

A Need to 'Give Something Back' Leads to Multicultural Experience

By Casie Vinall / Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2003 - During her travels to South Africa to visit friends, Sterling Gill listened to those who had to fight to protect their borders during a recent border war with Angola.

From the other side of the world, Gill decided to become an active part of the defense of her own country. "It made me very conscious of the fact that, as an American, I was fortunate to not have to worry about defending my borders against communism," the Gunnery Sgt said. "I realized that I was very lucky to be an American, and felt that I needed to give something back to my country."

Gill acted on her decision and enlisted with the Marine Corps Reserve. She began training at Paris Island, S.C., and then received her military specialty training in computer programming at Quantico, Va.

"I joined as a reservist," Gill recalled. "I figured I could handle anything for a weekend and two weeks in the summer."

Beginning work with a motor transport unit in Augusta, Ga., Gill was transferred to Texas, California and then overseas to countries such as Okinawa and the Philippines.

She eventually returned to Augusta, where she completed her degree in history and international relations. She then returned to Texas and ended up with the 4th Recon battalion in 1995.

It was there that she met her future husband. Their first meeting was while "jumping out of a perfectly good helicopter into a lake," she said, noting it will be a good story for the future grandchildren.

Gill's travels to South Africa not only prompted her to join the service, but also foreshadowed her work with other cultures. After serving in a variety of positions, Gill began working for the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers in 1996, which was her first joint service experience.

"It's very interesting," she said. "I was lucky enough to be able to go over with the team and take notes, do travel claims…(take) pictures and historical annotations…and (get) some articles published for the team, but it was very interesting to be able to travel over to that type of environment and talk with our NATO allies and get their feel, and their perspective on things."

Following her tour with the confederation team, Gill accepted a position in the international programs area for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. There she worked in readiness, training and mobilization for an exchange training program involving Great Britain, Germany and the United States.

For two weeks during the summer, 20 German and 20 British officers travel to the United States, in exchange for 40 American officers who trade places.

"They spend two weeks out in tanks, and in the dirt," Gill said. "Let's say we bring a tank officer over here … to the United States. He goes out to a National Guard unit, or a Marine Corps unit, and we put him in a tank, and he goes out and plays the whole exercise with that unit."

"And what it does is it allows them to get hands-on experience with what we do, and how we run our training," she said. With this hands-on experience, Gill said the officers benefit from improved relations.

"I think the biggest benefit is the interpersonal relations," she said. "So many people come back and say, 'I had a really great time,' and a lot of it has to do with who they talked to. 'I had a great time because my sponsor over there took me out, and we went and we toured Germany, then we sat down and we briefed this' … and it's that personal connection."

This personal connection, Gill said, aids in joint operations. With an increase in exercises among the branches of service, she said this carries over into training with U.S. allies. She said working together facilitates communication between the forces.

"It allows for there to be …a better working relationship if they know each other," she noted, "and I think that's extremely important in this day in age where we have a lot of these coalition forces going into different places.

"We need our allies, there's a reason we have them," she continued. "and it's nice to be able to say, not only are we allies, but I know this guy, and he's a friend."

All sides can benefit from looking at training at another angle, she said, and improving efficiency. "It opens up the possibilities to improve our training, to improve how we do things, and it gives us insight into another way of doing it," she said.

"It tends to take away that 'us and them' (mentality)," Gill said, "so you have a better working relationship when you do go overseas and get into that situation."

For the past six years, Gill has been working at her current job, making policy and giving oversight to help maintain the program. She said the program is always in motion.





"It's not like you're coming into a regular job where you can walk in and (say), 'OK, I use these orders, and this is who I talk to, and this is what goes on,' because every year it changes," she said.

"As reservists, they come over at a different time every year, they go to a different unit every year," she said. "So you've got this huge list of contacts that changes on a regular basis, and it definitely keeps you on your toes."

From the international aspect of the program, Gill said understanding other cultures is necessary. "You have to understand the kind of the general personalities that you deal (with)," she said, "and so it's very challenging and it's very interesting and it's very fun to be able to look at how the interactions of all the different personalities and cultures tie into each other.

"You have a language barrier," she said, but "language is not everything. There's also a communication barrier, because you're dealing with people that are six or five hours ahead of you."

She said she is thankful for e-mail, because before its time, "it used to be miserable to come into work at 5 in the morning to make a phone call to Germany, just because you couldn't get it worked out any other way."

Keeping connected with our allies has become crucial with the coalition work that is going on today in the global war against terrorism, she said.

When terrorists hijacked and flew a plane into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, Gill was scheduled to be at a meeting in the area where the plane hit. The meeting had been cancelled.

"By the skin of my teeth, I wasn't here," Gill said.

" We found at later that the pilot of the plane was a Navy captain who had belonged to our reserve unit," she said. "We know that he was dead prior to the plane crashing, because he would have never allowed it to hit the building in his old offices."

When Gill's husband called the morning of and told Gill of the attacks on the World Trade Towers, she turned on the television. She said she remembers watching a correspondent broadcasting from Washington, D.C., displaying pictures of the smoke from the Pentagon.

"I remember the first thing that it hit me where I knew exactly where the plane had hit," she said. "I just knew immediately it had dive bombed our offices, and it was so eerie. I mean, I'm getting goose bumps now, just remembering it, that those were our offices, and I just knew without even seeing the picture that we had been hit."

Since the area hit was slated for renovation and the offices were in transition, fewer people than before were in the area during the time of the attack, she said. "As many people as we lost, and as horrible as it was, we were really lucky," she said. "If it had hit at another wedge, we'd of lost thousands of people."

When Gill returned to the Pentagon, she said she remembers looking through the pictures of those who were killed and recognizing many faces, such as those who worked on her hall, or the man who "loaned me 15 cents one day for lunch." She also discovered that one friend had been killed when she read his name on the casualty list.

Today, her service to her country continues, and she encourages others to join. Although not for everyone, Gill said she recommends military service.

"There are some people that just do not fit into the military," she said, "and there's nothing wrong about it, that's just, some people don't fit into the Peace Corps (either). It's just personalities."

However, for those who are interested in it and are seeking this type of service, Gill said she encourages them to join. "I think military service is a great thing," she said. "You learn a lot about discipline. You learn a lot about how far you can stretch yourself. I mean, there are things I would have never thought of -- jumping out of a helicopter or airplane -- before … you stretch yourself.

"You move in directions and do things that you would never have thought of doing on your own," she continued, "and through that, you understand that there are things that you can do, and that you accomplish that you may have thought that you couldn't do before. And once you have that knowledge, you can do anything."

(Casie Vinall was a summer intern for DefendAmerica.mil in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs.)

U.S. Marine Corps
Sgt. Jack M. Carrillo

Depot's Own Combat
Artist Continues Legacy


By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ethan E. Rocke

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Without the aid of any camera or high-tech broadcast equipment, one Marine completed a very unique mission during Operation Iraqi Freedom, telling the Marine Corps' story with nothing more than a sketch pad, pencils, some charcoal and a very deep love for art.

In America's most recent war, Sgt. Jack M. Carrillo, combat artist, Marine Corps Historical Division, was the first enlisted Marine assigned to the region with the specific mission of creating combat art.

"It was a huge honor to be selected for this mission," said Carrillo. "It was a dream come true to be able to use my art and ability to tell the Marine Corps' story and be a part of something that's bigger than me."

Carrillo, formerly assigned to the Depot's Combat Visual Information Center, was augmented by Historical Division, Headquarters Marine Corps, for the distinctive mission in January, not long after becoming the first enlisted Marine to design Marine Corps uniform plates.

Carrillo made a name for himself within the small community of Marine combat illustrators after rendering the paintings of Marines wearing the Corps' new combat utility uniforms.

He headed to Kuwait in January anxious to let the inspiration flow and do what he says he does best: create art.

"It's like a nervous twitch," said the 32-year-old, brown-eyed Marine. "Some people tap their fingers or chew on pencils; I have to draw. It's what I do. It's something inside me that always has to get out. Any time, any place, any situation, I'll throw down (art)."

Prior to departing for Kuwait, Jack Dyer, curator of art, Historical Division, briefed Carrillo on the expectations of his mission.

"Jack told me he would not tell me what, how, or when to draw, only that I was to be a hustler, get as close to the action as possible and document through art, the climate of any given situation. With those simple instructions, I set out to do exactly that," Carrillo said.



U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jack M. Carrillo, combat artist, works on an Operational Iraqi Freedom watercolor project for Marine Corps Historical Division. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ethan E. Rocke

He arrived in Kuwait to find he was operating very much on his own. His mission became one of adaptation and improvisation as he slowly found the connections and resources needed to accomplish his mission.

By the time the war began, Carrillo had joined a team of Marine 'storytellers' who fell under the same command as he did. A fairly well-equipped crew of Marine videographers quickly adopted Carrillo and formed a small combat visual information (CVI) team.

The CVI team, still needing a parent unit to fall under, found themselves attached to Company D, 1st Tank Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, for the operation to liberate Iraq.

It didn't take long for Carrillo to find himself completely absorbed in the front lines of the war with a constant barrage of inspiring images to "throw down."

"I tried to capture anything I thought was historically significant or things I just connected with as an artist," he said. "If I thought something had a good story, I tried to capture it and tell the story."

Carrillo said there were times when he became frustrated because he couldn't capture certain aspects of his surroundings, such as the smell of burning palms and twisted metal, or the sound of stray Iraqi dogs barking throughout the night.

Carrillo, whose art experience includes a lot of work in graffiti art, said he found himself driven by the fast-paced nature of his mission and environment and related it to the spirit of graffiti art.

"The spirit of street art inspired me," he said. "It's fast-paced, in-your-face, create-it-and-go art," he said. "Any graffiti artist has the potential to be a great combat artist. I love that spirit."



Artwork by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jack M. Carrillo. Carrillo is a combat artist for the Marine Corps Historical Division



Artwork by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jack M. Carrillo. Carrillo is a combat artist for the Marine Corps Historical Division

Carrillo channeled that spirit consistently, throwing down his art in various locations throughout Iraq. From Kuwait to Baghdad, and eventually further than that, he created more than 150 sketches of everything from female mechanics working to Iraqi prisoners to tank battles.

Like everyone else, Carrillo experienced the constant challenges combat presents. On the second day of the war, the Humvee carrying his equipment drove into a swamp and overturned during a fire fight in Al Basrah. The majority of his art supplies and equipment was damaged beyond salvation, but Carrillo overcame the mishap and carried on with five sketch pads, some pencils, graphite and charcoal.

"All my watercolors and paints were trashed, but in a way, it simplified the way I executed my mission," said the 6-foot Marine. "You have to adapt and overcome in that environment. That's just something we as Marines have ingrained in us. We accomplish the mission no matter what it takes."

While he was accomplishing his mission, Carrillo found himself establishing strong bonds and friendships with the Marines he was serving alongside. It didn't take long for Carrillo to translate those bonds into his artwork.

"Marine tankers are a very tough crew to run around with," Carrillo said. "Those Marines became my brothers. We fought, served, prayed, sweated and stank together."

Despite the chaotic environment Carrillo was enduring, he stayed motivated and excited about his mission, and his true nature as an artist and instinct as a Marine first drove him to stay in Iraq as long as he could.

"When division finally caught up with me, I didn't want to leave," said the energetic Marine. "I wanted to keep drawing and doing what I love."

Carrillo eventually left Iraq for Kuwait and then headed back home to San Diego. Since then, he has been assigned temporary additional duty to 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.

He is currently completing his pioneering combat-art mission by finishing 10 paintings for the Marine Corps Historical Division to supplement the 150 sketches he already rendered in the war, and according to Historical Division officials, they are pleased with his efforts.

"Sgt. Carrillo is a talented, vigorous and productive combat artist," said retired Capt. Charles Grow, assistant curator of art, Historical Division, and former combat artist. "He is a good Marine, and I think he's going to do good things for the Marine Corps combat art collection."

Carrillo's artwork will tell the Marine Corps story for decades to come, and those who observe it can hear Carrillo speaking to them through the art that served as his voice during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"Art is everywhere at any time. It's something I have to do. It's a man's creative voice," Carrillo said. "Art is how I cope in life, and to be a part of the combat art legacy is an amazing feeling."

U.S. Marine Corps
Staff Sgt. Marcos Cordero

A Miracle on 42nd Street!


By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt A.R. Hay

NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2003 — In the past, military recruiters have been successful at their recruiting duties in Times Square, but today, Staff Sgt. Marcos Cordero has brought this success to new heights.

Being a military recruiter at Times Square can be a dream come true or a nightmare waiting to happen. The ability to balance an abundance of tasks and still deal with each challenge is what makes Cordero stand out from the crowd.

When he was assigned to recruiting duties in New York, this Washington Heights native knew three things: it was going to be hard work, he was going to have fun and he was going get meritoriously promoted.

The busy nature of Times Square fits well with Cordero. The rush of city life at the crossroads of America keeps his everyday job from being routine.

"It's always so interesting," said Cordero. "There's always something going on. Between the sites and the atmosphere, it makes me want to get out there and do things, too."

Military recruiting in Times Square does not make Cordero exempt from dealing with the stresses of this duty. He combats the long hours and the negativity by remaining positive and optimistic. When dealing with hard times, he pulls himself out of it by remembering the good times, taking a break and focusing on his goals.

"I have too much pride to let this bring me down," said Cordero. "I'm my own worse critic, so I keep myself in check."

He credits a large amount of his success to the rapport he has with people, especially the pool of individuals planning to become Marines. He maintains constant contact with them, taking on the role of a big brother.

"People want to be a part of something real and knowing someone is looking out for them," said Cordero. "The camaraderie speaks for itself and when they tell their friends, it builds interest and they may come see me too."



U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Cordero's duty as a Marine recruiter in New York City has presented him with unique opportunities. One morning he was approached to ring the NASDAQ opening bell when the person scheduled didn't arrive. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt A. R. Hay

"I've learned if you're nice to people and up front with them, they'll like that and respect you for it," he added. "If people are comfortable with you they'll do anything for you. So just be yourself and just talk to everyone. Everyone knows someone."

Although thousands of people walk through Times Square everyday, most of them are tourists, including a good number of them from other countries. Additionally, the office has been the rally point of choice for demonstrations, most recently with the war in Iraq. Despite demonstrations, Cordero proudly wears his uniform.

Another reality of big city life is crime. While in Lower Manhattan, Cordero was leaving a school when a bank employee grabbed him, asking for help and explaining that the bank had been robbed. Cordero chased the robber down the street, called 911, grabbed a police officer along the way and did a leg sweep on the suspect allowing the police to capture him. He was later was recognized by the New York Police Department.

He also received a letter and visit from the Commanding General of the Marine Corps Recruiting Command for his civic gallantry.

Despite all the pressures and stresses of recruiting in the public eye, Cordero excelled. He was meritoriously promoted to staff sergeant and was recognized as one of the top three recruiters during the latest winter recruiting campaign.

U.S. Marine Corps
Maj. William R. Tiffany
Point Marine Epitomizes Life of Opportunity


By U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C.,
June 8, 2005 — Since July 9 1980, the career of Maj. William R. Tiffany, the maintenance officer at Marine Air Control Squadron 2, has included the chevrons of a staff sergeant, the bars of a chief warrant officer and now the gold oak leafs of a major.

“Opportunity is the theme of my career,” said Tiffany as he looked at pictures of Marines he has served with over the years. “Prepare yourself for an opportunity, and never let one pass you by.”

Tiffany's extensive career began as an enlisted Marine, working with the HAWK missile system at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant. He applied to become a chief warrant officer, and after the third time, he was selected.

“The selection rate for CWO is about 7 percent,” said Tiffany. “After attending The Basic School, (Marine Corps officer training) which is basic survival training on steroids, I was sent back to Yuma to be a HAWK maintenance officer and to lead a platoon of 45 HAWK Marines.”

During Tiffany’s long career at Yuma, he supported many different Weapons Training Instructions and Red Flag exercises.

“We were pretty much responsible for anything aviation squadrons did,” said Tiffany. “Then as HAWK assets started getting diverted, and the military occupational skill closed, I did another package and was selected from Headquarters Marine Corps to become a limited duty officer, which is a chief warrant officer on steroids.”

Since becoming a limited duty officer here, Tiffany has seen non-stop work. With almost all of the officers deployed overseas, he has had the opportunity to serve six different billets, including executive officer.

“It’s been really rewarding, and also been challenging,” said Tiffany. “We have seen deployments to places all over the world and with each deployment we have to get equipment, people ready to go. It’s a constant cycle around here.

“After awhile, the Marine Corps just becomes your way of life,” said Tiffany with a smile. “The Marine Corps is an awesome career for many reasons.”

Tiffany has had the opportunity to see the Marine Corps from many different angles, but says being a sergeant is the best job.



U.S. Marine Maj. William R. Tiffany, the maintenance officer at Marine Air Control Squadron 2, recalls parts of his career as he looks at photos. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan



“Being a sergeant, you're expected to be aggressive and take charge,” said Tiffany. “If you are aggressive, you will be allowed to go as far as your talents take you. You’re still close to your troops, you’re expected to get things done but you’re also expected to make mistakes, it’s all a part of a learning process to becoming a leader.”

Tiffany said his most memorable experience as a Marine was when he was a sergeant during Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm.

“At the time, we were relearning a lot of combat skills,” said Tiffany, looking at a picture of him with his war buddies in Kuwait. “It was exciting. We were fighting to free the Kuwaitis from Iraqi occupation. There was a day during that period that I worked the hardest in my life. We were digging holes, machine gun pits and bunkers around us and our equipment in the rain for an entire day. I never slept as well in my entire life.”

Tiffany brings that optimism to his job here.

“He (Tiffany) mentors everyone: officers, enlisted and chief warrant officers,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Moya, radar officer. “One of the best things about being at MACS-2 is being under his charge. His mentorship and knowledge are inspiring. He serves as a big brother with really good advice that steers you in the right way. We discuss everything before we take a step.

“He’s guided my career as a chief warrant officer,” said Moya. “He’s always encouraging me to go ahead and grab that other platoon and take charge. That’s the kind of leader he is, and the kind of influence he has here.”

Sgt. Gabriel F. Al-Rajhi, cryptological Arabic linguist, 3rd Radio Battalion, proudly stands at his unit's headquarters after returning from a 13-month long deployment to Iraq. The Anaheim, Calif. native, who grew up in Saudi Arabia, now feels as though he has earned the right to live in the United States. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Megan L. Stiner

U.S. Marine Corps
Sgt. Gabriel F. Al-Rajhi
Linguist Leaves Big Impression in Iraq
Cpl. Megan L. Stiner
Marine Corps Base Hawaii

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii, June 13, 2005 — “I volunteered to stay in Iraq so that I could feel as though I have the right to live in a country with so many freedoms and rights,” said a 21-year old Sergeant regarding his 13-month deployment. “It wasn’t about whether I liked or hated my time overseas, it was about helping people and doing the best I could to provide my services.”
Sgt. Gabriel F. Al-Rajhi, cryptilogical Arabic linguist, 3rd Radio Battalion, left Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, in March, 2004 with his unit for a 6-month deployment to Iraq.

Once the initial deployment drew to an end, explained Al-Rajhi, an Anaheim, Calif. native who calls Saudi Arabia home, he felt as though he hadn’t done all he could have and asked if he could stay for a few more months and help out wherever he was needed.

As an American military member fluent in Arabic, his request did not take long to get approved.

“There was a short debate between the command in Iraq and my unit,” said the charismatic Marine, “ but soon the 3rd Radio Battalion had left and I remained in Iraq, mainly to serve as a translator.”

Al-Rajhi was born in the U.S. but moved to Saudi Arabia at the age of one-and-a-half. Once he had graduated high school his options were limited. That is when the advice of a friend changed his future.

“I had a buddy that was a former Airman and he told me about the benefits of being in the military in America,” explained Al-Rajhi. “Since I was born in the U.S., I could join the military and they would pay me to go to school, which was what I really wanted to do. It sounded to good to be true.”

Al-Rajhi had grown up in a country that does not recognize many of the rights Americans take for granted and he decided he wanted to earn the right to live in the U.S. once he had served his time. He asked his friend what the most difficult service he could enter would be.

“Without a seconds hesitation he said the United States Marine Corps,” said Al-Rajhi. “I said to him that was what I wanted to do then.”

Even after that he said his buddy tried to convince him that


the Marines were too tough and he should join another service, but Al-Rajhi had his mind made up.

“I told him, my life has never been easy and I am not about to start now,” he said.

That day he went to an all-night Internet café and called a Marine Corps recruiter to find out what he needed to do to join. Once he had all the facts, he quickly got his things together and left for Los Angeles, Calif.

He stepped on the yellow footprints in Dec. 2001 and once he graduated boot camp and his Military Occupational Specialty school time was over, he got his orders to his first duty station and arrived to K-Bay in Nov. 2003.

For the first six-months with 3rd Radio Battalion, he had served as a linguist performing signals intelligence tasks. Once he had taken on his new responsibilities as a translator, his experiences began to change and broaden to the point where he became the personal translator for Commanding General of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.

“The position I gained through my understanding and knowledge of the Arabic language gave me more opportunities to make a difference than I could have imagined,” explained Al-Rajhi.

During the next seven-months, he met and translated for well known people such as John Kerry and the Prime Minister of Iraq as well as many of the commanders and high ranking officers throughout various cities and bases in Iraq providing valuable intelligence to the Marines and others he aided.

“I feel as though the liberties in the U.S. are taken for granted,” said Al-Rajhi. “Although I am an American citizen, I feel like I should earn my right to live in a country that offers its people so much.”

According to Al-Rajhi, by joining the Marine Corps he has been given the opportunity to earn living in the U.S.

“I have served in the Marine Corps and deployed to Iraq,” he explained. “I think I have earned that right now and I would go back if I was needed, but for now I am content with the things I did and I am just going to relax until I can figure out where the Corps will take me next.”

U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Liz S. Rohrer

Springfield Native Helps Keep Aircrews Safe in Iraq
By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Juan Vara
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

AL ASAD, Iraq, June 1, 2005 — An intelligence specialist with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Lance Cpl. Liz S. Rohrer keeps track of enemy movement and passes that information to pilots and crew chiefs. Skipping over even the smallest detail could cost several lives.
The aircrews use it to plan their routes throughout the Al Anbar province and either fly around or push through certain regions, depending on the level of enemy activity.

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

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

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

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

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

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



U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Liz S. Rohrer, an intelligence specialist with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, helps keep aircrews safe as they fly over Iraq. Rohrer, a native of Springfield, Mo., joined the Marine Corps in November 2003 after graduating from a private Christian school. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Juan Vara



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

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

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

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

U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Daniel Rourk

Marine’s Translations Help Find Weapons Caches
By Lance Cpl. Evan M. Eagan
II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 27, 2005 — Whether he’s manning the turret of an amphibious assault vehicle, finding weapons caches with his Marines, or interpreting information from Arabic to English, this 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion Marine always gets the job done.

Lance Cpl. Daniel Rourk, 29, crew chief, 3rd Platoon, B Company, is currently stationed here with 2nd Marine Division on his first deployment to Iraq.

Citing frustration with life in the civilian world, Rourk was led to the Marine Corps at the age of 27, after working as a sound engineer for popular rock bands.

“I felt like I could make a difference out here and now I am,” said Rourk, a native of Charleston, S.C. “I know I am making a difference and being out here makes me realize why I joined the Marine Corps.”

Before deploying, Rourk took a basic Arabic course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., which has proved to be instrumental in the success of Bravo Company.

“The course crammed one year of college Arabic into a one-month class,” said Rourk. “I am not fluent, but I learned the basic essentials and how to apply it to questions like, ‘do you have any weapons,’ or ‘have you seen any insurgents.’ Basically, the who, what, where, when and why.”

Although he’s trained in Arabic, he considers the local Iraqis to be the ones doing the most important job.

“We have received some really good information from the people,” he said. “It’s the Iraqis who have the courage to speak up that are doing all the work.”

On their most recent operation in Al Anbar province, Bravo Company uncovered four weapons caches in one day, accounting for the company’s most significant find during their deployment.



U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel Rourk, crew chief, 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, stands in front of a row of amphibious assault vehicles May 22, 2005. Rourk, who is on his first deployment to Iraq, is trained in Arabic and serves as a translator for Bravo Company. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Evan M. Eagan


Recently, Rourk went in front of a company wide meritorious corporal board, where he and another Marine were chosen, out of five Marines, to be promoted June 2.

For Sgt. Isaac Alexander, assistant section leader, 3rd Platoon, B Company, Rourk was an easy choice.

“He is a front runner in our platoon,” said Alexander. “He doesn’t slack off and he never half-steps. He is one of the oldest Marines in our platoon and it shows through his maturity. He is a damn good Marine.”

Rourk plans on making a career out of the Marine Corps, but meanwhile, he is living one day at a time.

“Right now we are just going to keep doing what we're doing,” he said. “Aside from completing the mission, all I care about is getting all the boys home safe.”

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Robert Walker, an administrative clerk with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward), watches intently as the instructor for the "Killer Abs" class demonstrates the next exercise at Camp Fallujah, Iraq. Walker, a 32-year-old native of Peoria, Ill., said he likes to work out. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. C.J. Yard

U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Robert Walker

Marine Looks Forward to Law School after Marine Corps
By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. C.J. Yard
2nd Force Service Support Group

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 20, 2005 — For a Marine who has earned two degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, he has no qualms about doing administrative work for his four-year enlistment.

Lance Cpl. Robert Walker, a native of Peoria, Ill., graduated from college at the age of 30 with a degree in radio and television production and another degree in photojournalism. Due to the lack of jobs in the civilian sector, and having crossed off almost everything on his “to do” list, Walker looked into joining the military.

“When I originally talked to the recruiter I wanted to do combat photography,” said the 32-year-old administrative clerk. “Unfortunately the (Military Occupational Specialty) was closed and I wanted to ship out to boot camp as soon as possible. I knew administration like the back of my hand from the years I worked at a hospital.”

Walker was hired full time at a hospital in Illinois right after high school and saw it as a good opportunity to work and save money for college. Once in college he joined the fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon, boasting the Greek letters on his ankle.

“That's where I learned to clean so well,” said Walker smiling. “We always had to clean up the house after the weekend of partying.”

According to Walker's roommates, he's meticulous about cleaning their room as well.

“It doesn't matter if we clean it, he's always going behind us and redoing everything,” said Lance Cpl. Brandon Myers, an administrative clerk and native of Canton, Ill.

Myers and Lance Cpl. Joseph Delicino, a native of Pacifia, Calif., also an administrative clerk in the battalion administration shop claim they even get him to play Microsoft Xbox once in awhile, but he usually quits early to work out.

When not working in the administration shop, Walker can usually be found in the gym, sweat pouring off his clean-shaven head, working out and attending the “Killer Abs” class taught here.

“I usually try to work out everyday,” said the former college cheerleader. “You have to be in pretty good shape to do that. Besides, you can't take your shirt off at the club if you're fat!”

However, Walker found that being able to do a two-minute floor cheer routine and run were two different types of “in shape.”

“I could do a floor routine and not even be winded,” said Walker. “But I couldn't run for nothing. My roommate before I joined was in the Army, so he and I would run. Once I got to boot camp all the other recruits were telling me not to beat the drill instructors and I was like, ‘I can't help it.' I was just running.”

“Walker also takes his personal time to help Marines, who aren't as strong, better themselves,” said 1st Lt. Lauren Diana, Headquarters Company commander and native of Westerville, Ohio. “He motivates the Marines here. He always keeps the Marines' spirits high.”

Coming to Iraq with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward), Walker had an idea of what to expect after working for the sergeant major and his company commander of his current unit while stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

“I had worked with Sergeant Major Ainsworth and Lieutenant Diana before,” said Walker. “I thought, ‘Well, if they're going, then I should go too.'”

“I hand picked Lance Cpl. Walker because in a deployed environment, you need a strong shop,” said Diana. “I needed somebody who is strong in the administrative and legal aspects of an S-1. He is all the functions of the administration shop. Whatever I task him with, whether he knows how to do it or not, he can get it done because he will figure out how to do it. He catches on very quickly.”

Walker, will use his experience in the Marine Corps to help him with his future plans of attending law school.

“I'm going to have a little edge when I finally get to law school,” he said. “I already know a little bit about it, and the processes of some if it because of the legal side of my job.”

“I know that Lance Cpl. Walker has talked about going through (Officer Candidate School) on a legal contract because he wants to be a lawyer,” said Diana. “I think he would make a great lawyer in the Marine Corps.”

Staff Sgt. Brian C. Stirrat, a recruiter with Recruiting Sub-station Wichita, Recruiting Station Oklahoma City, is reunited with
3-year-old Enrique Santos, whose life he saved while on liberty March 26, 2005. Photo courtesy U.S. Marine Corps


U.S. Marine Corps
Staff Sgt. Brian C. Stirrat

Recruiter Rewarded for Bravery after Saving Toddler
By U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. James J. Connolly, Jr.
8th Marine Corps District

NEW ORLEANS, La., May 24, 2005 — A district Marine was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his role in the recent rescue of a choking toddler.

Staff Sgt. Brian C. Stirrat was spending a quiet weekend afternoon in his townhouse when he was startled by frantic screams from his neighbor, Letecia Santos. "She said my son is choking, my son is choking, please help me," explained the 26-year-old canvassing recruiter assigned to Recruiting Station Oklahoma City, Recruiting Sub-station Wichita, Kan.

Stirrat quickly leapt over the barrier between the two apartments and assessed the situation. He discovered 3-year-old Enrique Santos unconscious, and being tended to by his grandfather. "The little boy was in a limp state... blue in the face and not a lot of reaction," Stirrat explained. "The grandfather was trying to do the Heimlich maneuver, but it just wasn't working."

With a growing number of concerned friends and relatives filing into the small room, Stirrat took over life saving duties from the grandfather. "I really didn't hear much of the commotion going on around me," Stirrat said, explaining that he went on to perform a cursory finger sweep, followed by back blows and chest thrusts. "I saw that there wasn't much time left... with the state he was in, I knew that I had to hurry."

After a moment of continuous work, Stirrat was able to dislodge a small rubber toy ball from the child's throat.

Although the immediate danger was over, Stirrat continued to tend to his patient, treating for shock and keeping the boy calm until civilian emergency medical responders arrived.

Shortly after the incident, Stirrat phoned his staff noncommissioned officer in charge, Master Sgt. Thomas K. McGlasson, to report what had happened. In spite of Sttirat's attempts to downplay the significance of the event, McGlasson described him as a leader who strives to set the example.

"I think he is always looking to do the right thing," explained McGlasson, a native of Denver, Colo. "He always looks for the opportunity (to helps others)."

Maj. Kendall A Martinez, commanding officer of RS Oklahoma City, presented the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in a ceremony held at the apartment complex where the rescue took place. Martinez made it clear that he was impressed by the actions of his Marine.

"Although I'm very proud, I'm not surprised by Staff Sgt. Stirrat's actions," He explained. "Courage and decisiveness during stressful situations are just a couple of the traits that define us as Marines in and out of uniform. I feel this is a prime example of our core values of honor, courage and commitment in action."

U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. Matthew P. Cobb
Topeka Marine and His Dog Help Save Lives in Iraq

By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christi Prickett
II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 18, 2005 — Working side-by-side every day, Marines are naturally a tight-knit group. When the Marine beside you is a military working dog, the relationship isn’t any different.

Cpl. Matthew P. Cobb, a native of Topeka, Kan., is a dog handler with 2nd Military Police Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward) and is in Iraq for his first deployment.

Cobb and his working dog, Laika, have a close relationship. They have lived, eaten and slept by each other on a daily basis since arriving in Iraq in January.

Cobb said Laika has human characteristics so he considers her his sidekick.

“Laika is just like any 21-year-old girl, that’s three in dog years,” said Cobb with a smile. “I know if she were human, she’d be wild, so I keep her in line. By thinking of her as a human and friend, it helps me to match our personalities.”

Every day, training is the most important part of Laika’s schedule. Cobb said she must build her endurance not only for her missions, but also for the climate here in Iraq.

“She (Laika) doesn’t know it, but all the playing and training is good for her,” Cobb said. “We play fetch every day until she’s tired, and she lets me know when she is tired by laying in the shade or she just gives me that look.”

Along with training comes the daily up-keep. She has a feeding and grooming schedule, and her weight has to be monitored daily.

“I feed her four cups of dog food a day,” said Cobb. “It changes, just as we change our food intake. If it’s been a long, hard day, I feed her more. If we’re relaxing back at the kennels, I feed her less. I brush her coat three times a day, too.”

When Cobb and Laika are called out on missions in Iraq, they do searches, patrols, and squad movements just as the other Marines. Cobb trained for combat situations at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he is stationed.

“Our main mission while in Iraq, to put it simply, is to find bombs and bad guys,” Cobb said. “The dogs know how to search for every type of explosive out there.”

When at Lejeune, part of the training consists of sending a Marine out in the woods to hide, and often that Marine will carry some sort of drug or explosive paraphernalia, Cobb explained.

“We also search vehicles at the front gates of Lejeune, so that is practice for the vehicle check points here,” he said.

Cobb said as a dog handler, he’s not just looking after himself anymore.

“When Laika is with me, it’s like having to baby-sit,” said the 2002 Washburn Rural High School graduate. “But Laika is a good friend and I like having her around. She has my back the same way I have hers.”

Before joining the delayed entry program the summer before his senior year, Cobb had no clue his journey would lead him to working with K-9s but he is thankful for his job now.

“I wouldn’t change my job for anything,” said Cobb. “My job gets stressful just like any other, but Laika is always there to help me relax.”

He went to boot camp in June 2002 shortly after graduating high school. Not only was he honor graduate out of boot camp, which promoted him to private first class, but he recruited two


As a dog handler with 2nd Military Police Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward), Cpl. Matthew P. Cobb said he enjoys his job. The native of Topeka, Kan., works with his dog, Laika, daily and goes on several operations a week with her. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christi Prickett

people on recruiters assistance, which promoted him to lance corporal.

“I just did what I was told to the best of my ability,” said Cobb. “That is what has brought me this far in the Marine Corps.”

While attending Military Police School at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Cobb was one of the top five graduates of his class. Those five were put on a board and Cobb won that as well, which put him in line for Military Working Dog School at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio.

At MWD School, Cobb and his fellow students were taught the basics of dog obedience and aggression techniques.

“The academics were pretty hard at working dog school,” said Cobb. “If we weren’t working and training with the dogs, we were studying.”

The 12-week course proved successful to Cobb, who graduated the highest of the 10 students, or “Top Dog.” From there, he went to Lejeune to work at the Provost Marshal’s Office.

Cobb, who married his high school sweetheart after boot camp, is expecting a child in three weeks. He said his father, mother and two sisters are proud of his accomplishments and supportive of him during his deployment.

After his four-year contract ends, Cobb plans on getting out of the Marine Corps and using the skills he learned to work in Kansas doing law enforcement.

"I like the Marine Corps,” said Cobb. “I like how we all work as a team. I have wanted to be a Marine since I was young so this is a dream come true.”

U.S. Marine Corps
Maj. Mike Corrado

Going on Tour Takes New Meaning for Marine


B y U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Aaron P. Mankin
II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 17, 2005 — A Marine serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom left a successful career in order to deploy. Having lived a life laced with music, he now plays to a different tune.

Maj. Mike Corrado, company commander, Headquarters and Service Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward) is the lead vocalist in The Mike Corrado Band. The band has played concerts with several recording artists including Vertical Horizon, Train and John Mayer.

Corrado had a flare for music at a young age.

“I originally started out playing drums when I was in second grade,” said Corrado, a native of Jacksonville, N.C. “When I was in college I bought a guitar and learned how to play just because I started doing some writing.”

Corrado started performing in bars wherever he could play. He later found Marines who were serving in the 2nd Marine Division Marine Corps Band and desired to form a band of their own. The Mike Corrado Band was born and has continued to evolve.

“It (the band) went from all Marines to no Marines other than myself and now back to two of its original members,” explained Corrado.

“You have to find people with the right vision too,” he continued. “As we started getting bigger in the Carolinas it was a little bit easier to find people who wanted to play. We were out there making a name for ourselves, things were moving up and things were getting bigger with every month that went by. I had a little more flexibility to pick people that I thought would perform well.”

Upon leaving the states for his deployment, Corrado released a solo album titled Falling Awake. He dedicated the recording to his wife Kate and his 5-month-old daughter Olivia.

The song My Watch contains backup vocals by recording artist Edwin McCain. Corrado and McCain have been friends since 1992. McCain had his own way of showing his support of Corrado’s decision to defend the United States.



Maj. Mike Corrado, company commander, Headquarters and Service Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward) is the lead vocalist in The Mike Corrado Band. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron P. Mankin

“Edwin gave me a guitar to bring over here,” Corrado said. “He has been a good mentor. He has been through some ups and downs and he has been through some pitfalls. He’s given me a lot of advice along the way.”

With the support of his family and friends, Corrado was willing to put his dream on hold. He takes his duty seriously and wants there to be no misunderstanding about why he made his decision.

“Sometimes there is a misconception between what the media puts out compared to what people here really feel,” explained Corrado. “People aren’t here under duress. We signed up to support our country and its constitution and if this is what it takes then here we are.“

Corrado has plans to complete his tour of duty and return to the stage with his musical comrades.

“With this whole thing about taking time off the road, I could have just said no thanks, but I look at this as my personal tax for the freedoms I enjoy and the freedoms my family enjoys,” he continued. “Being away from them and being here with these Marines and supporting whatever mission is tasked to us, if that’s what’s asked of me than that’s the least I can do for everything that I enjoy.”

U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. Jennifer Shivley

Sisters Serve Marines, Army in Iraq

By Staff Sgt. Ronna M. Weyland
II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 15, 2005 — When mothers raise their daughters to be independent, strong-willed and successful they often don’t think of them growing up and joining the military.

When Patricia Shivley, of North Augusta, S.C., first learned of her daughter Jennifer’s interest in joining the Marine Corps she said at first she was shocked.

“Then I thought, it’s just like Jennifer to do something like this,” said Patricia. “She knew her dad was looking at putting both girls (Jennifer and her sister Tiffany) in college and she decided to join the military to get an education.”

Cpl. Jennifer Shivley, radio maintenance technician, Communication Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, said she wasn’t ready to go to college right out of high school.

“I wasn’t mentally ready to go to college,” she said. “I wouldn’t have done well if I had.”

Jennifer, 22, joined the Corps in May 2001 two days after graduating from Beddingfield High School in Wilson, N.C.

“When I saw her at the boot camp graduation my heart filled with pride to see her standing tall in her uniform,” Patricia explained. “I knew then she could accomplish anything she sets her mind to.”

Upon Jennifer’s initial enlistment, she was in the reserves. After her first year, she decided to go active duty and worked in the local recruiting station for five months before getting orders to Okinawa.

Since Jennifer’s time in the Marines, Patricia said she has noticed a lot of changes in her daughter.

“It (Corps) has instilled a lot of pride in what she does,” Patricia said proudly. “She had to grow up a little to take on responsibilities for what she does.”

Jennifer agrees she has gained a lot of experience and discipline.

“My dad thought I needed to do something with structure,” said the four-year veteran. “That is exactly what the Corps has done for me.”

However, Jennifer isn’t the only daughter Patricia has serving her country.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jennifer Shivley, 22, radio maintenance technician, Communication Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, is serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at Camp Blue Diamond, Iraq. Shivley also has a younger sister, Army Pfc. Tiffany Shivley, stationed in Abu Ghraib, Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steven D'Alessio



Army Pfc. Tiffany Shivley, interrogator, attended the University of North Carolina for a year after high school.
She enlisted during the summer of 2003 and shipped to boot camp after the beginning of the New Year.

“I didn’t have enough money to continue paying the tuition and really get on my feet,” Tiffany explained.

Tiffany said seeing her sister being able to take care of herself in the military allowed her to realize she could do the same.

“She (Jennifer) did try to get me to join the Marines, but I figured one per military branch would be OK,” she said of her decision to join the Army.

Patricia said she is very proud of her daughters.

“We raised them to be independent and to think for themselves in everything they do,” she added.

Both daughters are currently deployed to Iraq. Jennifer is at Camp Blue Diamond and Tiffany is stationed at Abu Ghraib.

“I am sad and concerned for their safety, but I am also very proud of them,” Patricia said about her daughters being in a combat zone. “I know that we raised two very smart girls.”

Patricia added, she thinks her daughters supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom is great.

“I hope they learn and take back a lot of experience,” she said. “I want them to make a lot of friends, but most of all I just want them to come home because I miss them.”

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bryan T. Orwig, radio operator, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward), works on a radio at Pumphouse Barney in Iraq, May 4, 2005. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Evan M. Eagan

U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Bryan T. Orwig

II MEF Marine Chooses Corps Over College

By Lance Cpl. Evan M. Eagan
II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)

FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 12, 2005 — After experiencing the college life for a short time while attending a technical school in Winter Park, Fla., a communications Marine, with S-6, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (FWD) chose to take a different path. This path has led him to the Marine Corps and his first deployment to Iraq.

“I joined because I was sick of spending my parents' money,” said Lance Cpl. Bryan T. Orwig, a 19-year-old native of Highland, Md. “I dropped out of Full Sail, a tech school in Florida where I was learning C++ programming. I was doing video game design. I went for about six months and was partying a lot and got distracted and eventually ended up going back home.”

After returning home, Orwig realized he needed to do something with his life besides living under his parents’ roof.

“After the first 15 days at home I decided I didn’t want to stick around there and live off my parents,” he said. “I got in contact with a Marine Corps recruiter and within a week I was at Parris Island recruit depot.”

With a history of military service in his family, choosing to join the Marine Corps was not a tough decision.

“My grandpa was a truck driver in the Army during World War II and my step-dad was in the Air Force,” he said. “My parents were very happy that I joined because they could see I was trying to better myself.”

Orwig, who deployed with S-6, is serving temporary additional duty orders from his original unit, 8th Communication Battalion, where he works as a radio operator.

“I’m working at S-6 with some Marines that got TAD orders also,” said Orwig. “I really enjoy it out here. I got really close with guys that I came out here with and made some really good friends.”

With S-6, Orwig is still working in the field of communications.

“I maintain connection with other radio units and do cryptographic changeovers,” said Orwig during his latest assignment of doing a cryptographic changeover at Pumphouse Barney. “We also do a lot of convoys. We do about three a week. We go to Baghdad on supply runs and drop off tractor trailers and bring some back with us.”

Being in Iraq has helped Orwig become more proficient in his military occupational specialty because of the fast-paced environment, he said.

“It’s really hands on out here,” he said. “I learned pretty much everything I know about my MOS by being out here in Iraq.”

When he gets out in 2007, Orwig said he might decide to give technical college another shot or use his Marine Corps training and join the police force.

“When I get out I want to do something in law enforcement,” Orwig said. “If I do then I will try to go SWAT (special weapons and tactics) after serving as a police officer for five years. If I don’t do that then I will go back to school at Full Sail to be a video game programmer.”

U.S. Marine Corps
Pfc. Mark W. Marshall
Marine Turns Passion into Career


By U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Terrell A. Turner
2nd Marine Division
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., May 10, 2005 — Some people may have a hard time trying to combine their strong sense of patriotism, love of sports and a hobby of shooting guns into something productive.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Mark W. Marshall, a native of Blairsville, Ga., turned his passions into a career.

“Joining the Marine Corps is something I always wanted to do since I was a kid,” Marshall said. “My grandfather was a sergeant major in the Army and my father was a captain in the Marine Corps. It’s in my blood.”

Marshall, now a company clerk for Headquarters and Service Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, grew up embedded with a strong sense of patriotism and decided he wanted to fight for his country.

“I chose infantry,” he said. “I wanted to deploy around the world. I wanted to fight.”

Marshall began with Small Craft Company where his unit deployed to Afghanistan attached to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. While there they performed combat operations including cordon and searches, and foot and vehicle patrols.

Marshall is resolute in his dedication to the Marine Corps and hopes to use his experience to teach other Marines.

“I would like to be an instructor at the School of Infantry where I would be able to sharpen the combat skills of new Marines,” Marshall said. “Above all, I really enjoy the Marine Corps lifestyle and want to share my knowledge.”

Marshall is drawn to the team atmosphere of the Marine Corps.


U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Mark W. Marshall, a native of Blairsville, Ga., combined his strong sense of patriotism, love of sports and a hobby of shooting guns into a career. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Terrell A. Turner


He graduated from Towns County High School in 2000 where he played basketball and was the captain of the football team his senior year and baseball team his junior and senior years.

He also played baseball for North Georgia State University where he was studying for a degree in criminal justice.

While in college he decided he wanted to do more with his life.

Now that Marshall is fully integrated into the Marine Corps way of life, he is attending a local community college where he continues studying criminal justice.

Marshall also spends most of his free time with his wife Brooke and his 6-month-old daughter, Gracey.

When he has a moment to spare he enjoys working on his truck, going to the shooting range, and hunting turkey and deer.

Marshall hasn’t decided whether he will re-enlist.

“It’s something that I will discuss with my family,” he said. “My wife plans to join the police academy in a few months, so I’m planning around that. I’ve also been looking into other options.”

U.S. Marine Corps
Sgt. Anabell Suarez
Pendleton Sergeant Volunteers to Serve in Iraq


By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christi Prickett
II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 6, 2005 — A Houston Marine is getting a different experience than expected during her seven-month deployment to Iraq.

Sgt. Anabell Suarez, a clerk with G-9, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward), volunteered as an individual augment from Transportation Management Office, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., to deploy to Iraq.

“My TMO job is completely different than my job here,” she said.

Suarez said she isn’t used to the variety her new job offers.

“As a G-9 Marine, Sergeant Suarez maintains accountability of technology and innovation items that come to II MEF,” said Capt. Luis Villanueva, Marine Corps System Command liaison officer. “She also keeps track of field service representatives who have to come into country to repair or train on newly fielded gear. She also updates our Web site daily.”

Suarez, 22, joined the Marine Corps in June 2000 for the opportunity to attend college.

She graduated from Cypress Springs High School, Katy, Texas, in May 2000. During high school, she worked as a file clerk, a translator and played varsity soccer her last two years.

“I still like to play soccer,” she said. “I like to run more now though.”

As a noncommissioned officer in the Marine Corps, Suarez feels she leads Marines well.

“Me and my Marines in the rear (Camp Pendleton) are a close team,” she said. “I know they will follow me through anything because we have a strong relationship.”


Sgt. Anabell Suarez, a native of Houston, volunteered for duty in Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christi Prickett


Suarez said her family is proud of her during her first deployment to Iraq.

“My mom is really worried but she knows I’ll be home safe,” she said. “My dad is proud, too.”

She also has two sisters, one 25 years old and the other 13 years old, to help her through her seven months here.

Being her first deployment, Suarez said she didn’t know what to expect.

“I didn’t know it (Camp Fallujah) would be so modernized,” she said. “It is better than I expected.”

Suarez plans on finishing her second enlistment and is considering retiring from the Corps. She is even looking at entering the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program.

“I am learning the real meaning of adapt and overcome,” she said. “I’m doing a different job here, so each day is a different experience.”

U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. Chase H. Love
Cpl. Kevin M. Doucette
Marines from Same Neighborhood Serve in Iraq



By Marine Corps Cpl. Ken Melton
2nd Marine Division
AL ASAD, Iraq, April 29, 2005 — Marines come from all walks of life, from places all over the world. Most Marines meet others, who are from the same state, others from the same city. However, rarely do Marines meet other Marines from the same neighborhood.

Cpls. Chase H. Love, 20, and Kevin M. Doucette Jr., 21, are both field radio operators with 2nd Marines Headquarters Company and both from the same neighborhood in New Orleans.

"We grew up within walking distance of each other and never met until November," said Love. "Since then we became like brothers because we grew up in the same environment."

Doucette is 2001 class graduate of St. Augustine High School where he was a member of the band.

However, Love attended the rival school at West Jefferson High School where he played football and took 4th place in state finals of track during his senior year of 2002.

"At first I thought it was cool to meet someone who knows where I'm from," said Doucette. "Soon after that we formed kind of a brotherly bond because (we have) the same interests and background."

Love and Doucette grew up in different housing projects in the same neighborhood of Gretna, La. They both dealt with the same family and social issues.

"We both grew up in rough areas known for drugs, crime and violence," Doucette said. "I was raised in two separate households and have four younger brothers who looked up to me. After high school I wanted to go college but I couldn't afford it. I joined the Marine Corps in hopes that it will inspire my brothers to do something good with their lives in spite of their environment."

"I was raised in a single family and when my mother passed away in January of 2002 I stayed with my older sister until I graduated," Love said. "I knew I wanted to go to college and become something better, so I joined the Marine Corps knowing that I could achieve that goal and much more."

Knowing of their similar upbringings and drive to further advance themselves Love and Doucette's friendship



U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kevin M. Doucette Jr., 21, and Cpl. Chase H. Love, 20, look forward to returning to New Orleans after their mission in Iraq as radio operators is complete. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ken Melton

developed into a brotherhood over a short period of time before the deployment.

"People always see us around each other," Doucette said. "We helped each other get ready for the deployment. When our families came to visit us, they treated each other like they had known them their entire lives."

"I know the Marine Corps is all about family," Love said. "Doucette is like a brother to me and I'm like one to him. That really helps on these deployments, because it feels like you brought a family member with you."

Doucette's active-duty tenure ends in July, while Love's ends August of 2006. However, Doucette has plans for his “little brother” even after that.

"I plan on building my own house on some land that my father owns and I'll be saving a spot for Love and his family near mine," Doucette added.

"It's good to have met someone like him. Even while he's still on active duty we're going to keep in touch."

"Family is there for you even when they don't have to be. It's that choice that separates friend and family relations," said Love.

"It will feel real good to have him around, while I raise my two kids. Because in the end that's what family's all about. Having those who mean the most to you grow old with you."

U.S. Marine Corps
Pfc. Bryan J. Nagel

Marine Stops Enemy Attack, Saves Comrades

By Marine Corps Cpl. Tom Sloan
2nd Marine Division

AR RAMADI, Iraq, April 28, 2005 — Insurgents launched an attack against one of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment’s observation posts in the city here the evening of April 20 but they didn’t count on one Marine: Pfc. Bryan J. Nagel.

While receiving sporadic enemy fire, the native of Jamestown, N. D., stood his ground and took out a suicide truck bomb and fought off an insurgent attack, preventing major property damage and casualties to the Marines and civilians in the area.

The 20-year-old squad automatic weapon gunner with 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company B, was responsible for thwarting the attack and preventing a potential disaster that day, according to his company first sergeant, 1st Sgt. Scott A. Van De Ven.

“His quick thinking and actions under fire clearly foiled the enemy’s plans,” said the 36-year-old from Grayling, Mich. “Nagel’s initiative destroyed the enemy vehicle before it reached the Marines’ position.”

Nagel was manning an observation post in downtown Ramadi and being fired at by insurgents when a mid-sized passenger car detonated near his position injuring two Marines.

“I was getting shot at so I started returning fire,” said Nagel, who disregarded his own safety and moved above the protection of the position’s bulletproof glass to engage the enemy. “Then the first SVBIED (suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) hit.”

The blast breached the observation post’s main entrance.

“There was smoke everywhere,” recalled the 2003 Jamestown High School graduate. “I was reloading when, through a patch of the smoke, I saw the second vehicle coming our way. I knew what I had to do.”

Nagel employed his weapon with precision, hitting the yellow sewage tanker truck’s windshield and killing the driver.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Bryan J. Nagel, a squad automatic weapon gunner with 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, is responsible for saving the lives of his fellow Marines during an attack by insurgents on an observation post in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, April 20, 2005. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tom Sloan


"I shot about sixty or seventy rounds at him,” said Nagel.
“I never thought I would have to make a decision like that.”

Other Marines were alerted by Nagel’s fire and engaged the vehicle as well.

“The truck swerved to one side of the road and detonated,” he said. “It all happened so fast.”

No one was injured by the second blast; but it left a large crater in the main street.

According to Van De Ven, Nagel’s heroic actions are a testament to his character.

“He’s hard working, polite and is someone who cares for his fellow Marines,” he said.

Though, Nagel’s command is recommending him for an award for his courage under fire, he is just happy his comrades are OK.

“I’m overwhelmed knowing that I saved the lives of my Marines.”

U.S. Marine Corps
Staff Sgt. Keith L. Halsey

Marine Sergeant Re-enlists in Iraq

By Marine Corps Cpl. Tom Sloan
2nd Marine Division

CAMP HURRICANE POINT, AR RAMADI, Iraq, April 27, 2005 — Staff Sgt. Keith L. Halsey stood in front of his fellow Marines of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment as he raised his right hand and took his oath of reenlistment during a ceremony here.

Continuing to serve in the Corps was an easy choice to make for the logistics chief with Headquarters and Service Company. He’s proudly been wearing the Marine Corps’ Eagle, Globe and Anchor for the past 10 years and doesn’t plan to hang up his uniform just yet.

“I have two enlistments left,” said the 30-year-old from Syracuse, N.Y. “I fell in love with the Marine Corps and decided to make a career out of it early on.”

Halsey was 21 years old and carrying mail for the United States Postal Service in his hometown when he decided to serve his country a different way. After visiting his local Marine recruiter in 1995, he attended Marine Corps Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., and became one of the “Few and Proud.”

“I wanted to be a part of something great,” he said. “I knew the Marines would give me an edge.”

This re-enlistment had special meaning to the former infantryman.

“I get to stay with my infantry comrades longer,” he said. “Being in Ramadi with the battalion is the highlight of my career. As Marines, this is where serving our country really happens. We are doing what we’ve been trained to do.”

According to Sgt. Larry O. Aspen Jr., the infantry battalion’s police sergeant, Halsey is the type of staff noncommissioned officer Marines of lesser grades should strive to become.

“He’s an outstanding staff NCO,” explained the 26-year-old from Osseo, Wis. “He’s very knowledgeable and generally concerned about his Marines and accomplishing the mission. His re-enlistment, in my opinion, is one of the best things that could’ve happened to the Marines. The Corps is better for him staying in.”

Other Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines share Aspen’s opinion.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Keith L. Halsey, logistics chief, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, takes his oath of re-enlistment during a ceremony at Camp Hurricane Point, Ar Ramadi, Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tom Sloan


“He’s in a real high profile job here, and I can trust him to work independently and accomplish any mission,” said Capt. Daniel H. Coleman, Headquarters and Service Company’s logistics officer, who’s known Halsey since 2003 when the two served together at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “I’m glad to have him stick around.”

Halsey ensures the Marines living here have the best quality of life possible while on their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He’s responsible for keeping the camp supplied with food, water, electricity and other various mainstays.

Halsey is also a devoted father to his two sons, Trevor and Addison.

“I love spending time with them,” Halsey said referring to his boys who are 8 and 5. “Doing the fatherly things like taking them camping and to ballgames is very important.”

Halsey plans to continue serving his country after completing his 20-year-career in the Corps.

“I love the United States and everything it stands for,” he said. “I still want to serve and plan to do so from the federal side when I retire. I’d like to work for U.S. customs or be an air marshal.”

As a crew chief in Crash Fire Rescue, Cpl. Dustin M. Harris has to make sure his Marines are ready for their tough work. His responsibilities include checking gear on the truck and making quick decisions at the scene of an incident. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christi Prickett

U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. Dustin M. Harris
Crew Chief Leads Marines ‘Through the Fire’

By U.S. Marine Cpl. Christi Prickett
II Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, April 26, 2005 — As a boy dreaming about working on planes, he never thought he would grow up to be a firefighter.

Instead of turning wrenches, the native of South Williamsport, Pa., now muscles a hose to rescue pilots from burning helicopters or save people trapped in fires. Cpl. Dustin M. Harris, a crew chief with Crash Fire Rescue, decided to join the Marines before he graduated high school.

"I was the only student from my graduating class to become a Marine. That makes me proud,” said the 2002 South Williamsport High School graduate. “I always wanted to work on aircraft, but instead I became Crash Fire Rescue. I haven’t regretted it at all.”

As a crew chief on a fire truck, the 20-year-old from Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz., has an important job.

Harris oversees two other Marines on his truck.
The incident commander follows behind in a separate vehicle and has the final say in any decisions, but the crew chiefs relay information to him.

After the sirens sound, it is his responsibility to ensure the Marines get moving.

“I make sure all the Marines get the word about the incident. We all carry radios which makes it easy for me to get in touch with everyone,” said Harris.

Decisions start to be made before the trucks leave the fire station.

“On our way out of the station, Cpl. Harris starts giving us directions and telling us to stay calm,” said Lance Cpl. Clayton B. Begay, rescue man.

The firefighters change into their suits and get the appropriate tools ready.

“We practice putting on our gear every day, that way it is second nature when the time comes,” said Harris.

Harris has to evaluate the situation and make sure it is safe to enter the fire when his team reaches the scene.

“The hand-line man is the Marine who is in charge of the hose and actually extinguishing the fire,” said Harris.
The hand-line man has one strict rule.

“As a hand-line man, you never let go of the hose,” said Begay, a native of Roseville, Calif.





Being a crew chief with Crash Fire Rescue can be a tough job, but with dedication and commitment to training Marines, Cpl. Dustin M. Harris makes it look easy. Harris, a 2002 graduate of South Williamsport High School, South Williamsport, Pa., is in charge of two Marines on his truck and the gear they must take with them into fires and incidents. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christi Prickett


The hose used to put out airplane fires is different from the hose used in a structure fire.

“The aircraft hose isn’t flammable like a normal fire hose because the helicopters and planes have more fuel and metal than a normal structure,” he said. “The nylon-jacketed hose ensures the safety of the hand-line man and it’s easier to handle.”

After the fire is suppressed, the rescue men go into the fire.

“The rescue man goes in and checks for anyone inside the aircraft or building,” Begay said. “The humvee has two rescue men as well, so we all work together.”

Harris said he doesn’t get scared when things get hot.

“It makes me feel good to know I’m running in when other people are running out,” he said. “The best feeling I have is knowing I’m saving someone’s sister, brother, mom, or dad.”

Before becoming a crew chief, Harris had to work through the different positions on the truck.

“I did my time as a hand-line man and rescue man. Now it’s my turn to lead the junior Marines,” Harris said. “I think the Marines are good at their jobs.”

Harris said he plans on re-enlisting this year and hopefully be stationed on the east coast.

“I plan on getting out after my second enlistment and being a civilian firefighter thanks to the Marine Corps. I love this job,” he said.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Patrick Sansevere makes some last-minute adjustments while sitting with his father Chuck Sansevere at Camp Lejeune, N.C. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adam C. Schnell

U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. Patrick Sansevere

Marine Sacrifices for Second Tour

By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Adam C. Schnell
2nd Marine Division
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., April 22, 2005 — In 2004, Cpl. Patrick Sansevere was fighting house-to-house in the streets of Iraq. Four months into his deployment he was wounded in action and on a plane back to the United States.

The thought of being wounded again weighed heavy on the mind of the native of Verona, N.J., as he picked up his rifle to finish the fight he started less than a year ago.

“I just want to do my part,” he explained. “The Marine Corps is the only thing I ever wanted to be a part of.”

Doing his part this time consists of leaving his worries, wife and 5-month-old daughter at home. Sansevere uses his family as motivation, which makes it easier for him to return to the hostile country.

“The number one reason I joined was to make my family proud,” he said. “They mean the most to me.”

Exchanging his family life for a rifle is just one of the sacrifices Sansevere makes while in the Marines. It is something he has become accustomed to in the last four years.

“I’m kind of disappointed to see him go again,” said his wife Tristan Sansevere. “But I know it’s something he has to do and I just want him to come home safe.”

Sansevere began his journey in the Marine Corps by taking on the rigors of boot camp in July 2001. Soon after graduating from recruit training, he attended more training for infantrymen entering the operational forces.

Sansevere spent the next few years in different places around the world. He spent 16 months in Bangor, Wash., with Marine Corps Security Forces and made his permanent home at Camp Lejeune with 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. With the MEB, Sansevere deployed to Afghanistan for six months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

After Afghanistan he found himself with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in June 2004. Unfortunately he never finished the fight he started because of his combat wounds.





U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Patrick Sansevere sits with his wife, Tristan and 5-month-old daughter April at Camp Lejeune, N.C., before leaving for Iraq. This will be the young Marine’s second tour in Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adam C. Schnell



After returning from Iraq, Sansevere was faced with one of his most life-altering experiences, the birth of his daughter April.

“When she was born it felt like my life had really changed,” he said.

Sansevere’s life was undoubtedly changed and he dedicated himself to spending the majority of his time with his daughter.

“I spent as much time as I could with her because I knew I would have to leave for deployment,” Sansevere added.

Now he’s off for Iraq again for another combat tour. Even though he returned one time from Iraq wounded, his family is still very proud of the sacrifice he has made.

“Watching my son deploy leaves me with a kind of bitter-sweet feeling,” said Chuck Sansevere. “I’m really proud of his service to our country, but at the same time my son is putting himself in harm’s way and I hope he stays safe.”

After his second tour in Iraq is finished, the recently re-enlisted Marine will be sent to recruiting duty where he will continue to serve his country filling the next generation of Marine Corps ranks.

“I want to recruit in Washington State,” Sansevere explained. “This way I can be near family and work on completing my college so I can one day be a history teacher.”

U.S. Marine Sgt. Timothy Toborg, electrician, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 142, stands with his son Cpl. Travis Toborg, plane captain, Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, in front of a F/A-18 Hornet, in Al Asad, Iraq. Timothy rejoined the Marine Corps after his son joined the active-duty ranks in 2002. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. C. Alex Herron

U.S. Marine Corps
Sgt. Timothy Toborg
Cpl. Travis Toborg

Father, Son Hornet Mechanics Work in Iraq Together

By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. C. Alex Herron
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

AL ASAD, Iraq, April 15, 2005 — Some children have dreams of becoming successful like their parents. Many children take a path in life similar to that of their parents. As boys and girls grow older there comes a time when they must make life-changing decisions to set them on the path to success. Some choose college, some choose work and some just don’t choose at all.

For Cpl. Travis Toborg, plane captain with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, the choice was simple. It seemed natural to join the Marine Corps after years of listening to stories from his father about his military career.

“I joined the Marine Corps because of my dad’s influence,” Travis said. “He was always positive about his experience. It was more rewarding to learn a trade in the Corps than pay a lot of money to go to college to learn the same thing.”

Timothy Toborg, Travis’ father, was a Marine for 8 years. While in the Corps he worked on A-6 Intruders.

After his stint with the Marines, Timothy got a job with Delta Airlines and has been with the company for more than 15 years.

“I was able to walk right into a good job with the knowledge and experience I gained in the Marine Corps,” Timothy said.

After his son joined the Marine Corps in 2002, Timothy took the first steps back into the military by enlisting into the reserves.

“I saw how things were going in Iraq and I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” said Timothy, 42. “Now that I’m a little older, I have a better sense of the world and how important this war is. I also had a suspicion the reserves would be used a lot more than they had in the past so I jumped at the opportunity to don the Marine Corps uniform again.”

In January, Timothy’s squadron, the Gators of VMFA-142, was activated to deploy to Iraq for seven months. After hearing of his father’s upcoming deployment, Travis scrambled to join his father in Iraq. Given his squadron was not scheduled to deploy, Travis volunteered to deploy with a security detachment from Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, S.C.

“The security detail didn’t work out so I requested to change squadrons and joined the Bengals of VMFA (AW)-224,” Travis said. “It wasn’t until two weeks before we left that they told me I would be able to deploy with them for sure. I was excited because it almost seemed like I would miss the opportunity to deploy with my father.”

The Bengals arrived in Iraq in January with the Gators close behind, touching down in March.

“I love this,” Timothy said. “After being away for so long I realize what I missed about the Corps. The camaraderie with my fellow Marines is a big reason for me returning. It is a special bond we share with each other.”

When the Toborgs are home in Milner, Ga., they spend their time outdoors fishing, hunting and working on cars. In Iraq the two men often travel to the other side of the base to talk about family and life back home.

“We did a lot together growing up, I think that is why we have a special bond,” said Travis, a 2002 graduate of Lamar Comprehensive High School in Lawrenceville, Ga. “Now we see each other once a week and do things most people might take for granted, like eating a meal with your dad or e-mailing my mother at home.”

The Toborgs take any time they can get together here as a blessing, both work long days and nights to assist their respective units in the fight to make Iraq a free country.

U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Robert Dalzell

Marine Has History of Providing Security

By Sgt. Stephen D'Alessio
2nd Marine Division


CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq, March 29, 2005 — When Lance Cpl. Robert Dalzell was asked to escort incoming and outgoing Marines and sailors from the camp, a frequently dangerous job — he had no qualms. He's used to sticking his neck out for others.

The 21-year-old native of Wayne, N.J., and rifleman with the 2nd Marine Division's operations section, has a history in providing security.

When the 2001 Wayne Valley High School graduate shipped off to boot camp and then to the Marine Corps' School of Infantry, he found himself in a position few others in history have been able to claim as their profession. Dalzell was selected to be one of the president's men.

"I got lucky is what it was," said Dalzell, in a modest tone. "Before I graduated SOI, three or four of us were interviewed for the job. I had to have a spotless record and a rigorous background check done before I was accepted, so I guess I had that going for me."

Dalzell worked at the Camp David Presidential Retreat site in Maryland as part of the security forces team. His job demanded that he keep an extra sharp eye out to protect the president, dignitaries, VIPs and other important visitors.

He handled anything from walking patrols to gate security. His duties were not much different than operations at the camp, here. One of the main things that helped him here was training in detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Before he knew it, his tour was ending after a one and a half year stint. He stood in the Oval office to pose in a photograph with the president -- a custom for all of the president's guards to do at the end of their tours.

Much of the business he conducted there can't be discussed, but the training he received there in security operations has made him a prime candidate for his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"I just wanted to get out and see the world,” he added. “And after September 11th, I wanted to be able to say I served my country. For me, the Marine Corps was my way of doing that."

Since then, Dalzell has been trying to deploy to support the global war on terrorism. After all, that's what he joined the Corps to do.




U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Robert Dalzell, a 21-year-old native of Wayne, N.J., and rifleman with the 2nd Marine Division operations section, patrols the roof of the division's combat operations center at Camp Blue Diamond, Ar Ramadi, Iraq, March 20, 2005. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Stephen D'Alessio


"I extended a year on my contract to come out here," explained Dalzell. "I have a lot of work here and I'm glad for that."

It wasn't until last month that Dalzell got his chance. Now, he's one of the main security providers for the convoys that travel between the camps, transporting troops and officers. Many of the trips take small arms fire and some come across IEDs. But this is the kind of environment he's been looking for.

"It's my first deployment and what a place to choose," said Dalzell. "But I have no regrets. It's a dangerous job, but that's what I asked to come out here and do. I wouldn't have it any other way."

U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. Steven Bruce Ames II

Marine Brings Comforts of
Home to the Battle Front

By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Stephen D'Alessio
2nd Marine Division

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, RAMADI, Iraq, April 4, 2005 — People raised in a small town often join the Marine Corps to get out, see the world and go home with stories to tell their friends and family. But one Marine here realizes that the small-town way-of-life will never be too far away.

Cpl. Steven Bruce Ames II, a 22-year-old native of Willard, Ohio, and personnel administration noncommissioned officer, recently arrived here to serve in the global war on terrorism. He found that when Marines get together in a place as small as Camp Blue Diamond, it's easy to make acquaintance with a lot of people. And in turn, become part of a community

Ames is a stocky breed of Marine with the standard close-cropped haircut and an exceptional knack for showing off a friendly smile to the service members in his unit. On an average day, one could see him trucking around the base in his vehicle to pick up supplies and amenities for the staff billeting.

Since Ames graduated Willard High School in 2001, he's made a lot of work for himself at Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Before, his accomplishments included being a northern Ohio, two-time district qualifier and a Greco Roman state qualifier in high school. Now he's the facilities manager for the battalion.

Though he has still had time to wrestle, like during Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training, he's been occupied with more pressing things - making Marines more comfortable.

"My first responsibility is taking care of personnel issues at the administration section," said Ames. "I'm also tasked with tracking the accountability of the battalion and entering awards into their service record books."

The other half of his time is taken up billeting staff noncommissioned officers and officers upon arrival to the camp. He also arranges the delivery of fresh laundry and provides meals for local Iraqis who work on camp.

"I pretty much make sure their shacks are good to go," added Ames. "I provide everyone with things like locks, cots and water. And I take complaints like when the roofs leak.

"I never had a chance to deploy in my first three years in the Corps and I really wanted to," Ames continued.


U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Steven Bruce Ames II, a 22-year-old native of Willard, Ohio, and personnel administration non-commissioned officer, delivers laundry to the staff billeting here, March 8. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Stephen D'Alessio


"Now, at least I can go home being proud that I did something for my country during this time of war-fighting for freedom, or at least being in harm's way."

Ames enjoys his job, but most of all he's proud of being part of a community that has values like honor, courage and commitment - the Marines' code.

"I love it so much that I have a big Eagle Globe and Anchor tattoo across my back," said Ames. "My tattoo artist was also a Marine, so it has even more significance. The best part of the job is being a part of the 'gun club' where no matter what I do or where I'll go, I'll always be able to say I'm part of a small community . . . the Marines.”

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joe B. Charboneau, left, helicopter mechanic with Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, rides with his father, Maj. Peter D. Charboneau, communications and electronics officer with Marine Air Control Group 28 (Reinforced), after having breakfast at the dining facility in Al Asad, Iraq, March 4. Father and son are serving together here in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Juan Vara

U.S. Marine Corps
Maj. Peter Charboneau
Lance Cpl. Joe Charboneau

Marine Father, Son Serve Together in Al Asad

By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Juan Vara
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

AL ASAD, Iraq, March 30, 2005 — U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Peter D. Charboneau is a busy man.

The communications and electronics officer for Marine Air Control Group 28 (Reinforced) isn’t just in charge of overseeing the upgrade of fiber optic lines, telephone switches and data servers around this former Iraqi air base. He’s also responsible, to the best of his abilities, for keeping an eye on one Marine who’s not even part of his unit – his youngest son, Joe.

After graduating from high school in Quantico, Va., in 2002, Joe and his older brother Pete joined the Corps following their father’s footsteps. They enlisted under the "buddy program" and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., together, graduating in January 2003.

Elder by a year, Pete is a lance corporal serving with Headquarters and Support Battalion’s Brig Company aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Joe, also a lance corporal, serves as a helicopter mechanic with Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 from Marine Corps Air Station, New River, N.C., and is here on his first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“I’m closer to him here than I am back in North Carolina,” said Charboneau. “The beauty of it is that he works nights. We meet in the morning and have breakfast.”

Charboneau said he was preparing to leave Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C., and transfer to Marine Corps Base, Quantico, when he heard Joe was deploying to Iraq. He immediately asked for a modification to his reporting date to be able to come here and be near his son. Pete, trying to be near his father and brother, volunteered to transfer temporarily to 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, the unit in charge of protecting this air base.

“I pushed for Pete to come out here too,” said Charboneau. “My wife put a stop to it.”

Charboneau’s wife, the former Dinah E. Gomez, of El Paso, Texas, didn’t want her husband and her two sons to be in



Iraq at the same time. She’s now ordered Charboneau to take care of Joe, and ordered both to wear their fragmentation protection armored vests and helmets at all times while they’re here.

“My wife is on an emotional rollercoaster,” said Charboneau. “She put up a sign that says ‘Having Marine son go to Iraq: Heartbreaking. Having Marine husband go with him: Awesome. Having another Marine son stay back with me: Priceless.’”

In his more than 23 years as a Marine, Charboneau, who began his career as a private, has left his family behind several times while he answers the call of duty. His most recent deployment was two years ago, when he served in Kuwait and Iraq during the beginning of the war.

“I’m not as homesick as I’ve been any other time I’ve deployed,” he said. “I could stay here for a year and I won’t miss my family because I have Joe here. I don’t think there’s a better feeling in the world than being in war with your son.”

Joe, getting his feet wet when it comes to deployments, said he misses his family, his girlfriend and some of the comforts of life back home. “You never know how good you have it until you’re shaving out of a water bottle.”

Father and son can often be spotted riding their bikes around Al Asad. They celebrated Charboneau’s birthday last month and are making plans to celebrate Joe’s birthday in July.

Not many are privileged to have breakfast with their father every day while in a combat zone. Not many can smoke a cigar with their son after a hard day of work half the world away from home. Charboneau, proud of his Marine sons, said there’s a small disadvantage of serving with one of them here.

“It’s the same thing as back at home,” he said jokingly. “I have to tell him to do his laundry, clean his room and brush his teeth.”

U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. Josh R. Barfield

Marine Rocker Plays Iraq, Set Sights on Big Time

By Marine Corps Cpl. Tom Sloan
2nd Marine Division

CAMP HURRICANE POINT, Ar Ramadi, Iraq, March 24, 2005 — Patrolling the streets of the insurgent infested city here is probably the last place most people would expect to find a rock 'n' roll star.

However, that's just where you'll find Lance Cpl. Josh R. Barfield, lead singer and guitarist for up-and-coming metal band Blue Collar.

The 23-year-old native of Glendora, Calif., and assault man with 1st Platoon, A Company, may not have reached international recognition for his music yet, but he does have a number of fans in his unit, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. Many of his fellow grunts consider him to be a top-notch performer who's destined for rock-star fame.

"He's got great music," said Sgt. Erik D. Sphoon, a 26-year-old native of Salem, Ore., and guide for 1st Platoon, A Company. "It's on my favorite play list. His band is awesome. I like how he mixes metal with jazz."

Barfield's band, Blue Collar, which includes four other members, currently has a demo CD out. They've also played a gig in Newport Beach, Calif.

"He has definitely got a future in music," said Sphoon. "If you were listening to his band and didn't know who it was, you'd swear it was a professional group. I'd be real surprised if someone didn't sign him on.

Barfield, who's been deemed by some of his fellow Marines as a young James Hatfield, lead singer for Metallica, plans to make it to the big time.

"I plan on being part of the number one metal band of all time," he said with a smile. "Our band is going to take over Metallica's spot."

The young performer even looks the part. Despite his high and tight Marine Corps haircut, he has a rocker image. Both his arms are covered with multicolored tattoos, and he speaks in a raspy voice.



U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Josh R. Barfield, assault man, 1st Platoon, 1st Squad, Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, sings while playing complementary lyrics on an acoustic guitar in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. The 23-year-old native of Glendora, Calif., is the lead singer for up and coming metal band Blue Collar, which currently has a demo CD out. Currently, his stage is a folding chair surrounded by sandbags. He often performs for his fellow grunts here during their downtime. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tom Sloan


For the meantime, his fans are Marines, and his stage is a folding chair surrounded by sandbags.

He often entertains his fellow grunts by singing his original rock 'n' roll songs while belting out complementary lyrics on an acoustic guitar during his downtime.

"I really enjoy relaxing and listening to him sing and play the guitar," said 20-year-old Pfc. Kenneth J. Morgan, a radio operator with 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, A Company. "He's good and we all look forward to hearing him play for us," continued the native of McFarland, Calif.

After completing this deployment, Barfield said he plans to pursue his musical career and start a family.

"I'm going to marry my beautiful minx of a fiancée, Khara Dawn Mori," said Barfield. "I found out four days ago I'm going to be a dad. I'm very happy and ready to go home."

U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Vicente C. Figueroa

Marine Makes Sacrifices for Country, Family

By U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Athanosios L. Genos
2nd Marine Division


CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, March 18, 2005 — He sits atop the battalion commander's vehicle, eyes pealed, senses keen, ready to engage any threat to the convoy. The native of Paramount, Calif., takes his job seriously, watching over his sector of fire as the convoy passes through the streets of Fallujah, Iraq.

Lance Cpl. Vicente C. Figueroa, a machine gunner with Headquarters and Service Company, found his way here after deciding to follow in his brothers footsteps.

"My brother and I were very close growing up," explained the 2001 Paramount High School graduate. "He was getting out of the Marine Corps when I was just beginning high school. I was interested in the Marines and had a lot of questions."

Figueroa's interest in the Marines continued to grow as his high school graduation loomed closer. Answering some of his many questions, Figueroa's older brother helped in his decision to join the Corps.

"I joined the Marines because I was interested in it and what it had to offer," he explained.

At the beginning of this deployment, Figueroa had completed almost four years of service. He had the option to stay behind because it was close to the end of his enlistment; however, he chose to spend these last months with his brothers in arms, fighting in the global war on terrorism.

"He is one of those people who demonstrates the meaning of serving their God, country, corps and family," explained Gunnery Sgt. Sean Kirk, a native of Durango, Co.

In his free time Figueroa constructs model cars. Assembling these detailed models taught him the patience required to complete long-term projects, just as he's done in the Marines.

"He has been through a lot and has quite a bit of experience. Although he isn't a noncommissioned officer, he performs his duties regularly as one," Kirk said.

For most Marines a deployment is an opportunity to save up some money for when they return home. In Figueroa's case, he is helping to support his family, who recently moved from Paramount, Calif., to Tucson, Ariz.

"He has a selfless devotion to not only his country and


U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Vicente Figueroa, the battalion commander's machine gunner, sits atop the vehicle in the turret with his M240G medium machine gun in Camp Fallujah, Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Athanasios L. Genos


Marine Corps family, but to his family at home," explained Kirk.

Figueroa's family shared everything as he grew up. The youngest of three boys, his brothers were his role models through his younger years. Seeing how his older brother would always help his father with work around the house and on the job, he wanted to follow in his footsteps.

"My brother would always help out as much as he could when he wasn't working long shifts," Figueroa said. "My brother was the only one who had a car, so he helped out as much as possible."

The closeness of his family inspired Figueroa to take a different path than other high school graduates, who were not as productive with their time. When he received his license he began helping his father, a truck driver, by driving a forklift and loading his truck for him.

"I had the time to help. When I got my license, I followed my brother's example, helping out where I could," Figueroa explained.

Figueroa took a step forward, taking on a tough task by joining the Marines, preparing himself for his future success. Doing his best at everything, he is an example to both those of lower and higher ranks.

"It is just really hard to put into words the best way to describe him. His devotion just keeps coming to mind," Kirk said.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Nicole C. Anderson, avionics technician, Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, stands in front of one of the Gunrunners' AH-1 Cobras, March 11, 2005, in Al Asad, Iraq. The Gunrunners arrived in Al Asad Feb. 1 and will provide security and stability operations for the Global War on Terrorism through September. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. C. Alex Herron

U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. Nicole Anderson

Single Mother Deploys in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

By Marine Corps Cpl. C. Alex Herron / 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
AL ASAD, Iraq, March 17, 2005 — Cpl. Nicole Anderson, avionics technician, Marine Light /Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, began making her rounds in January to family and friends with her 2-year-old son before she deployed to Iraq. As the day to depart grew near she began to pack while her son curiously looked on, wondering what was happening.

It all started to make sense when young Damon Anderson and his grandfather, who is taking care of him during the deployment, drove the Marine to where her unit would depart Marine Corps Air Station, New River, N.C., for the Middle East. First the seabags were loaded, then a big hug from his mother. Anderson was going on a trip and she wouldn't return to him for several months.

“When I said good-bye to Damon, he started to cry,” the native of Laurel, Md., said. “It's tough but I know he is in good hands. I know this is good for us. With this experience I get more hands on work with the aircraft. Hopefully, I can get a similar job when I get out of the Marine Corps.”

Anderson extended her contract to take part in the Gunrunners' deployment after transferring to the unit. Her original squadron deployed while she was pregnant.

“Once I transferred to the Gunrunners, I wanted to stay with this unit,” Anderson said. “The Gunrunners grew on me. It is a good unit to be a part of.”

When the time came for the squadron to deploy, Anderson had a choice. She was scheduled to return to her original unit and leave the Marine Corps this fall, but chose to stay with the HML/A-269 for this deployment to Iraq.

“If Corporal Anderson would not have deployed with us, then she would have spent her entire five years in the Marine Corps without ever deploying and I didn't want her to miss out on that experience,” said Chief Warrant Officer Jeff A. Desjadins, avionics officer, HML/A-269. “When the time came to decide if she wanted to stay with the Gunrunners or not, I gave her the pros and cons of deploying with us. After all that, she still wanted to go. That was awesome. I know how hard it is to deploy when you have kids and being a single parent can only make things that much tougher.”

Anderson is proud of the work she is doing in Iraq and understands what her role here is.

“I have a small, but important part in supporting the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing,” Anderson said. “I do what I have to


U.S. Marine Cpl. Nicole C. Anderson, avionics technician, Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 tests the communication system on board one of the Gunrunners' AH-1 Cobras, March 11, 2005, in Al Asad, Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. C. Alex Herron


do to accomplish my mission so we can achieve the overall goals ofthe 2nd MAW. If our aircraft are mission ready, then the wing can use our unit to its fullest capability and I have done my job.” Many of the avionics Marines in Anderson's shop see how dedicated she is to HML/A-269.

“She didn't have to come out here,” said Cpl. Aundrey Owens, avionics technician, HML/A-269 and native of Erie, Pa. “It took a lot of courage to leave her child to be here. I'm glad she came here, because she is one of our most knowledgeable Marines who makes sure things get done right the first time.”Anderson's hard work and thirst to excel show through and her supervisors notice how much having her around helps them accomplish their mission.

“She is an outstanding asset to our team,” said Sgt. Steven Farr, avionics work center supervisor and native of Daytona Beach, Fla. “She is always the first to volunteer. Regardless of the task she stands out from her peers, just by her sheer willingness to do the job others aren't.”

With all the good work Anderson is doing in Al Asad, she still constantly thinks about her son.

“It's tough,” Anderson said. “I know Damon is being taken care of. He is in good hands. I'm sure it won't be so bad in a few months, but I still worry and miss him.”

U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Michael W. Burten
Marine First One in Family to Join Military

By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Adam C. Schnell
2nd Marine Division Public Affairs

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., March 9, 2005 — The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks motivated Michael W. Burten, a native of Larchmont, N.Y., to do his part to ensure America would never have to go through that again. He enlisted in the Marine Corps.
But little did this rifleman with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment know that his choice would one day put him face-to-face with the “Grim Reaper” while on a convoy in the Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

On April 9, 2004, Burten and his unit received the mission of providing security for the battalion commanding officer. The job consisted of protecting the commander as he traveled to meet with Iraqi community leaders to talk about humanitarian efforts in the area.

“We were standing outside the building where the meeting happened for about an hour when we heard a loud explosion up the street,” said the tall New Yorker. “We weren’t sure what happened until it came over the net that it was an IED (improvised explosive device) attack.”

Burten and approximately 11 other Marines then hopped into vehicles and proceeded to the attack site to provide security for their fellow Marines. On the way to the site, Burten’s vehicle was hit by an IED.

With a little luck he walked away from the attack. He received a Purple Heart for receiving shrapnel to his chin.

“When the IED hit us, the shock of it threw me and another guy around,” Burten commented. “The vehicle we were in really took a bad hit.”

After being treated by the corpsmen in his unit he made a full recovery and continued his duties in Iraq until October 2004 when he returned to Camp Lejeune. But the flight home did not mark the last time Burten and the rest of his battalion would be in Iraq.

“We are going back later this year to relieve some of the guys already over there,” he said.

Burten didn’t always think he would be an infantryman in the Marines deploying to countries all over the world. But he did know what it was like to be a world traveler at a young age.

“Since I was real little I’ve seen Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia,” added.


Lance Cpl. Michael W. Burten a Larchmont, N.Y. native and rifleman with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment stands at attention after receiving a Purple Heart recently for being wounded during an enemy improvised explosive device attack in Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps Photo


At a young age, Burten became an avid reader, reading anything he could get his hands on. It was this passion that fueled him to make a life-long goal to write a novel.

“I spend a lot of time reading books,” said the 2000 Mamaroneck High School graduate. “I’ll read anything that is well-written.”

Before joining the Marines, he worked odd jobs, mostly at a local grocery store, and went to college. That was until his patriotism had him in the Marine Corps recruiter’s office.

“I’m the first one in my family to join the military and where I’m from it isn’t the normal thing to do,” he explained. “Most people just go to college and get a job, but I wanted to do something more.”

And soon his wish was granted as he left his hometown and began the rigors of Marine Corps training and a deployment to the war-torn country of Iraq. He continues his duties aboard Camp Lejeune, training and preparing for the upcoming deployment.

But when not training or reading books, he enjoys many of the simpler things in life to include playing guitar, working out in the gym, and cooking. For Burten though, these things are not done individually; the accompaniment of his fellow Marines is something he looks forward to every day.

“I like things that just bring people together, even things like bringing out a grill by the barracks and cooking some food,” he said.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joel W. Winkler, an infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, stands in front of his battalion at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 18, 2005, after receiving the Purple Heart for sustaining injuries in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Winkler suffered two ruptured eardrums while acting as lead driver for his combined anti-armor team. U.S. Marine Corps photo

U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Joel W. Winkler

Purple Heart Recipient to Return to Iraq

By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Adam C. Schnell / 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. March 4, 2005 – In 1782, Gen. George Washington wanted to give something back to the soldiers who served their country so bravely. This act of appreciation became the Badge of Military Merit, known today as the Purple Heart.

The medal continued its history with Durham, N.C. native Lance Cpl. Joel W. Winkler, an infantryman with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment.

Nineteen year-old Winkler recently spent seven months in Iraq. He was wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade that struck the ground next to the vehicle he was driving.

On April 9, 2004, Winkler and his unit, Combined Anti-Armor Team-White, were responding to a possible improvised explosive device along a heavily traveled road. As they made their way to the IED location, they had to pass through a section of road called “Ambush Alley,” a known high-threat area.

“We were almost linked up with Fox Company, the ones who saw the IED, when we were hit by RPG and heavy machinegun fire,” Winkler explained. “We had to go past the IED and got separated for a while from the rest of the convoy.”

Not wanting to drive past the IED again, he watched from a distance as his team and Fox Company were in a firefight with insurgents. The rest of the team knew if Winkler and his vehicle were seen alone, a firefight would soon erupt putting the Marines in a bad situation.

Putting their own lives in danger, the rest of the team drove past the IED to link up with Winkler and the rest of his group. After linking up, the whole team drove back down the only road available, “Ambush Alley,” and was hit again by insurgent fire, but this time a RPG hit next to the young Marine’s vehicle and he lost hearing in both of his ears.

“The RPG blew out my hearing for about 30 minutes,” Winkler said. “I had a perforated left ear drum and couldn’t hear out of my left ear for about three weeks. I still have problems hearing out of my left ear sometimes.”

Not being able to hear, the slender-built Marine kept driving his vehicle until it was safe to stop, thus making sure the Marines in the rest of the convoy behind him stayed safe.

“You can’t freak out, you just have to keep doing your job when stuff like that happens,” Winkler said.

Winkler said he gained this attitude since enlisting in the Marine Corps in June 2003. Improving himself and gaining more discipline is also something he hopes to acquire by the time he leaves the Corps.

“I joined to figure out what I wanted to do in the future,” Winkler commented. “I am really into music but I knew it wasn’t going to get me far.”

Music is something Winkler still holds in his heart. He played trombone and saxophone during his years at C.E. Jordan High School and recently taught himself how to play guitar. But soon, his music will most likely have to be put on hold when he goes to Iraq for a second time later this year to help support the war on terrorism.

Winkler plans on attending Appalachian State University in North Carolina after he returns from his second tour in Iraq. He was accepted to the university prior to going to recruit training and hopes to again make music his life emphasis.

“After I get done with college, I’m hoping to get into the music industry and become a recording engineer,” added Winkler

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joseph Baes prepares to jump a downed tree at the first race of the 2005 Winter Series, a mountain bike tournament in Eastern North Carolina, Jan. 16. Courtesy photo by Lauren Reynolds


U.S. Marine Corps
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joseph Baes
‘Saddle Time’ Keeps Mountain Bike Mentor on Top
By U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. J.R. Stence / Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C., March 2, 2005 — White knuckles on the handlebars, the mountain biker hits the trail like a projectile flying from a slingshot. His shoulders, back and arms ache from jacking his front wheel over obstacles and debris. He intently scans the terrain ahead, searching for the smoothest path.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joseph Baes, the heavy equipment officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, 2nd Marine Aire Wing, is good at this game of endurance, strength and finesse, and it's no wonder why.

The president of the Down East Cyclists Club, Jeff Leblanc, said, "He's got his Marine Corps time, but when there's time off, he's in the saddle."

Baes, who co-founded DEC with the late Maj. George Thurmond in 1994, has been "in the saddle" since 1989, when he began taking his bike on 26-mile round trips to work while stationed at Camp Lejeune. Three years later there, he competed in his first mountain bike race and placed second.

In 2000 and 2001, he distinguished himself as the best mountain biker in the U.S. military by winning gold medals in the Stars and Stripes Championship in Ga. and Va. Baes added to his accomplishments by winning the Southeast Regional Mountain Bike Championship in 2002 and 2003. He also helped Marine Corps Mountain Bike Team Camp Lejeune finish third as a team both years.

At 41, Baes continues to stay ahead of the competition, even after being deployed to Iraq for almost all of last year. He won the first race of the 2005 Winter Series, a local tournament headed by Leblanc's DEC, Jan. 16 in Camp Lejeuene.

In addition to his personal achievements in mountain biking, Baes promoted the sport in the Camp Lejeune community. Not only did he help establish DEC in Jacksonville, N.C., Baes was instrumental in establishing the Camp Lejeune mountain bike team, and now, he is trying to start Marine Corps Mountain Bike Team Cherry Point.

If it weren't for Baes, the current DEC president may never have developed an interest in mountain biking.

"I picked up a mountain bike to do a local race at Camp Lejeune," recalled Leblanc. "That's how I met Joe Baes."

"Joe became a friend for life, and he got me into racing," said Leblanc. "He invited me to the Military Nationals in Virginia, and I've been hooked ever since."

"Joe became a friend for life, and he got me into racing," said Leblanc. "He invited me to the Military Nationals in Virginia, and I've been hooked ever since."

"Not only is he a top notch mountain biker, he'll help the (novices)," said Leblanc. "We have a thing that Joe likes to call 'Mountain Biking 101.' Joe used to do that on a regular basis. Joe used to invite other riders out, and even though he is a top notch competitive biker, he would stop and give on-the-spot mountain bike (training) to anyone who wanted it."

"Joe is the epitome of a teacher, both as a Marine officer and an individual," Leblanc said. "He shares his love of music and hockey, and he shares his love of cycling. He gives you the confidence to be able to conquer those things that initially seem impossible but are quite attainable."

Leblanc recalled one of the particularly meaningful lessons that Baes gave him. They were biking on one of Camp Lejeune's courses, when they came upon what Leblanc thought was an impassable obstacle. "There's a huge tree layed across the course that you would think someone would remove," said Leblanc, "but it's left there on purpose." While riding the course by himself, Leblanc had been stopping his bike and walking it around the tree. "I did this for a few months until I saw Joe Baes go over it like it was just a dinky little obstacle," said Leblanc.

Baes taught him how to properly jump the tree, and Leblanc said that now, "To me, that huge tree in the middle of the road is nothing but a speed bump."

But even for Baes, the dismount isn't always pretty. The danger, he said - "It's always there."

"My hands were still on the handlebar as I flipped over, and I just impacted a rock," said Baes, describing one of his less graceful moments. For a moment, Baes was disoriented on the floor of the trail. "Lying on my back, looking up through the trees at the blue sky, I realized where I was and got back on my bike," he said.

After all, where would Baes be if not in the saddle?

U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. David E. Booth

Mississippi Native Protects Pilots, Aircrews
By U.S. Marine Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis / 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
AL ASAD, Iraq, Feb. 28, 2005 — On a daily basis, Cpl. David E. Booth, a native of D'Lo, Miss., protects the lives of the pilots and aircrews of Marine Aerial Transport Refueler Squadron 252 as they transport troops and cargo throughout Iraq and the area of operations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

During his senior year of high school, Booth had enlisted into the Marine Corps' delayed entry program, but instead of going


Cpl. David E. Booth, a native of D’Lo, Miss., stands in front of one of Marine Aerial Transport Refueler Squadron 252's KC-130J Hercules. The communications and navigations technician has been working on defensive electronic countermeasures equipment since his arrival here at Al Asad air base, Iraq, Feb. 10. U.S. Marine Corps photo Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis




in right after high school, he chose to attend college when he was offered a scholarship to play baseball.

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

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

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

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

U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Anthony G. Zoccano

Marine Ready for Iraq Duty

By Lance Cpl. Lucian Friel / 2nd Marine Division
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., Feb. 22, 2005 — Before joining the Marine Corps and deploying to Iraq, Lance Cpl. Anthony G. Zoccano, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, thought that problems in America were the most important to handle.

But now after completing a deployment to Africa and preparing to deploy to Iraq, the native of Buffalo, N.Y. understands the true meaning of fighting for freedom, not just for America, but for anyone who needs help.

After graduating from Cardinal-O’hara High School in 2002, the former football wide receiver was attending Erie Community College when he decided to take his life in a different direction.

“I knew there was more out there for me, and I wanted to fight for my country, because after Sept. 11 the thought of enlisting lingered in my mind,” Zoccano explained.

So while he was working as a consultant for his dad’s construction company, where he worked for three years, Zoccano decided to join the Marine Corps as an infantry rifleman.

“The Marine Corps’ infantry is the most respected element of America’s armed forces, so I knew it was what I wanted to do,” Zoccano said.

After graduating from recruit training in February 2003, Zoccano attended the School of Infantry and shortly after was stationed at Camp Lejeune and later deployed to Africa.

“Being deployed to Africa wasn’t hard for me because I wanted to go, but it helped me realize that there are greater problems outside of America,” he said.

As a rifleman, Zoccano conducted humanitarian operations in Africa and the conditions he witnessed had a definite impact on the way he looked at life.

“It opened my eyes and I saw a level of poverty I didn’t think existed. It’s a level that I believe no one in America can truly say they’ve been to,” he explained.

Zoccano will soon make his second deployment to Iraq and because of the experience he had in Africa, he believes he’s ready to go.

“I’m prepared physically and mentally. It’s a different place and situation this time, but I’m ready for anything. I will complete my mission,” he said.

Zoccano is the battalion gunner’s driver and will be part of his security team.

“I will drive the gunner and the operations officer to where they need to go, which is important because the gunner ensures that all weapons are employed properly and he will have to travel back and forth to the different companies,” he explained.

According to Zoccano, his family is very proud of him, but they are still a little concerned.

“My mom, Melissa, dad, Anthony and two sisters are a little worried about my safety, but I always assure them that Marines are the best and my brothers will take care of me,” he explained.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Anthony G. Zoccano, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, will make his second deployment when he leaves for Iraq. The native of Buffalo, N.Y., joined the Marine Corps in February 2003 after graduating from Cardinal-O'hara High School and attending Erie Commmunity College. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lucian Friel




As Zoccano and the rest of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines prepare to deploy in a few short weeks, he continues to think of what he wants to do in life and what led him to this lifestyle.
“I realize now, because of what I saw, the United States is the best country in the world and I want to make it better,” he said. “I will probably get into law enforcement or own my own business, but either way life is too short and God has a purpose for all of us and right now, being a Marine is mine.”

Dealing with tsunamis, earthquakes and other forces of nature is hardly new to the Alaska National Guard, Robinson pointed out.

As many as 16 tsunamis have been reported in Alaska since 1853, The Washington Post reported in January. Five of Alaska’s seven largest communities were devastated by the largest earthquake in North America on March 27, 1964. Its 9.2 spike on the Richter scale made it the second largest earthquake ever recorded. That quake and the tsunami it generated killed more than 120 people in the United States and Canada.

Robinson saw for himself a few days after he got to Thailand that the images and the news reports about the extent of the despair and destruction in that country and in others such as Indonesia and Sri Lanka were all too true.

He flew on the first Air Force C-17 sent to Bande Ache, Indonesia, he explained. “It looked like a giant hand had wiped out the coastline,” Robinson recalled. “Houses and other buildings were destroyed along the shore. The saltwater had surged inland and killed the vegetation.

"The devastation was unbelievable. It rocked you back. We saw people who had lost their entire families and everything they owned.” But Robinson also gained a sense of satisfaction from helping the living begin to recover from the deadly tsunami which, he explained, means “harbor wave” in Japanese.

“It was very gratifying that I was able to go,” said Robinson who has deployed to Panama 19 times, who took part in the first deployment of Special Forces troops to Mongolia, and who has commanded the 438th Air Expeditionary Group in Pakistan.

Taking part in Operation Unified Assistance, he added, “was a great opportunity to use our training and to help show the humanitarian aspect of our military forces that other people don’t see very often.”

Sgt. Charles J. Rhinehart enters a hyperbaric recompression chamber system at 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Feb. 10. Rhinehart in undergoing special therapy using the chamber to heal wounds he received from an improvised explosive device he encountered last summer in Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Stephen D'Alessio


U.S. Marine Corps
Sgt. Charles J. Rhinehart

New Treatment Helps Marine Recover from Injuries

By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ryan S. Scranton / 2nd Marine Division Combat Correspondent
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., Feb. 17, 2005 — Gloves cover the 26-year-old sergeant’s burned hands as he removes his shoe and a brace on his right foot. The brace supports the metal plate holding his fused bones together. He crawls into a long metal capsule like an astronaut before putting on a mask to supply pure oxygen to his lungs.

The procedure has become part of Sgt. Charles J. Rhinehart’s daily routine after an improvised explosive device struck his light armored vehicle during convoy operations near the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, July 2004.

The native of Vinita, Okla., suffered burns on more than 30 percent of his body and received shrapnel in his arm, shoulders, back, many of his internal organs and his right foot. The light armored vehicle crewman lost a kidney and nearly his big toe in the explosion.

Rhinehart was taken to the prison’s medical facility by his fellow Marines in 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion before being evacuated to Baghdad and then to Germany. The 1996 Vinita High School graduate was then transferred to Brookes Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

“I remember waking up in the ICU (intensive care unit) at the BAMC in Texas trying to figure out where I was,” said Rhinehart.

After several weeks in BAMC recovering from his numerous surgeries and wounds, Rhinehart was transferred to the Naval Hospital here for further treatment. He received surgery on his foot, fusing his bones together with a metal plate. The explosion left significant burns and scarring that the surgery was unable to repair, leaving little viable tissue left to heal.

“After the surgery, I started to lose the blood circulation toward the plate in my foot,” said Rhinehart. “The skin around the plate died because it didn’t have a good blood supply.”

Rhinehart’s doctors needed to find a way to increase his blood flow and chances of recovery. The medical staff at the Naval Hospital enlisted the help of a small dive team from 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. Rhinehart’s doctors decided to use the divers’ hyperbaric recompression chamber system.

The chamber is commonly used by the battalion’s dive technicians to treat divers with diving disorders such as decompression sickness. In Rhinehart’s case, it is used for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

The pressurized environment allows 200-300 percent more oxygen into Rhinehart’s lungs, according to Navy Capt. James M. Chimiak, who heads the anesthesia department at the Naval Hospital.

The increased oxygen levels are essential for the blood vessels in his foot to grow into the wound, said Chimiak. The vessels form a base allowing the skin to grow over the wound boosting his chances of a full recovery. The oxygen therapy also helps stave off infection and reduce the wounds swelling, said Chimiak.

Rhinehart recently received his eighth treatment and has seen significant improvements to his wound. Rhinehart could

Sgt. Charles J. Rhinehart takes off his foot brace before entering a hyperbaric recompression chamber system at 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Feb. 10. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Stephen D'Alessio


Sgt. Charles J. Rhinehart listens to music while in a hyperbaric recompression chamber system at 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Feb. 10. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Stephen D'Alessio


receive as many as 60 treatments, but Chimiak said he expects the sergeant will only need 20.

“He started with a three-centimeter wound and is now only two and a half centimeters,” said Chimiak. “If this graphing of the surrounding tissue was not possible he could have lost his foot.”

Rhinehart is one of the first Marines to use the hyperbaric oxygen therapy. If not for the HBC therapy Rhinehart could expect a prolonged healing process over several months with only a 50 percent chance of full recovery, said Chimiak.

With many Camp Lejuene based II Marine Expeditionary Force Marines expected to deploy to Iraq later this year, those wounded in combat would likely return here for treatment.

Based on Rhinehart’s success, Chimiak said he hopes to see the therapy incorporated into the treatment of returning Marines and sailors whose combat wounds are difficult to heal.

“I hope to see this option incorporated into a well designed wound care program,” said Chimiak. “This treatment is not for everybody, but could be useful for certain patients with non-healing wounds.”

Rhinehart said the therapy has also helped heal his other wounds.

U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. William H. Zeh

Intel Marine Prepares for Iraq

By Cpl. Mike Escobar / 2nd Marine Division
MARINE CORPS AIR-GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif., Feb. 15, 2005 — How does one become a better problem solver, acquire patience and tact, and attain a high degree of self-discipline?

For Cpl. William H. Zeh, it was to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. “I tried going to college shortly after I graduated,” said the Vero Beach High School graduate. “At first I really wasn’t too serious about it and didn’t have the money to attend full time,” stated the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment intelligence analyst. “I’d never really done anything worthwhile in my life, so I decided to join the Marines.”

Coming into the Corps aspiring to be an FBI or CIA agent, the 25-year-old native of Vero Beach, Fla. enlisted as an intelligence analyst.

Nowadays, he spends his time at work like any other Marine: preparing for war and maintaining a combat-ready mindset. In the intelligence world, this means becoming knowledgeable on areas where Marines may deploy.

“In garrison, we get reports from units overseas and we keep situational awareness on the missions they’re conducting and how they’re going about it,” he stated. “We also do lots of administrative work, like helping people acquire security clearances.”

The administrative side of the job can be slow at times, Zeh added. It’s during deployment that he derives true satisfaction from his job.

“During deployment is when we get to put our skills to the test, when it all comes together,” he continued.

While deployed, the intelligence section of a battalion, also known as the S-2, tasks infantry companies with targets to gather information on during their missions.

“When these units go out on patrol, we tell them to keep an eye out and gather intelligence on certain things, like spotting criminals or watching for any other suspicious activity,” Zeh stated. “Sometimes, S-2 personnel will go with the infantry on patrols to help them gather intel.”

Deployed to Haiti in support of Operation Secure Tomorrow from March through June 2004, Zeh said he’s learned valuable lessons to benefit him and 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment’s S-2 during their upcoming deployment to Iraq.

“In Haiti, I learned how to work with (3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment’s) rifle companies to get the infantry Marines to help us gather information on possible threats and on the local community,” he added.


U.S. Marine Cpl. William H. Zeh, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment intelligence analyst, marks points of interest on a map while participating in a Revised Combined Arms Exercise at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mike Escobar




In addition to considering observations from Marines in the field, intel personnel also gather information from the local community and reconnaissance from unmanned aerial vehicles.

“Once we get all the data we can, it’s my job as an intel analyst to put it all together and make sense of it,” Zeh said. “We use our analysis to brief the commander and make recommendations.”

Out here in the Mojave Desert, Zeh and his S-2 teammates are putting these analysis skills to the test during 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment’s Revised Combined Arms Exercise.

Along with refreshing their infantry skills by learning combat operations in urban environments and conducting live-fire ranges, the intelligence section provides maps and range imagery to other units participating in the exercise.

“Everything we do (during RCAX) prepares us for our missions in Iraq,” Zeh said. “I look forward to doing my job once we actually get there in March.”

For as many lessons as he’s learned during his time in the Corps, Zeh said once he returns from deployment, he’ll pursue other passions closer to home.

“I want to study a career in computer networking or network operations, and I’m thinking about attending the Florida Institute of Technology. I’ll use what I’ve learned in the military through my career in intelligence, like how to research things in depth. I’ll use the discipline I’ve gotten by being a Marine to help me succeed.”

U.S. Marine Pfc. Katrina Marie Helleson fights forest fires as a civilian. The seasonal job left her with four months out of the year without a job so she joined the Marine Corps Reserve. The new Marine aspires to be on the Marine Corps Structural Fire Team and continue her profession in firefighting. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Darhonda V. Hall

U.S. Marine Corps
Pfc. Katrina Marie Helleson

Firefighter Becomes Marine

By U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Darhonda V. Hall
PARRIS ISLAND, S.C., Feb. 1, 2005 — Many people join the Marine Corps to add excitement to their lives. As a firefighter, Pfc. Katrina Marie Helleson already had plenty of excitement.

"I did not quit the Forest Service, I joined the Marine Corps Reserves," Helleson explained. "I wanted a chance to gain better leadership during my time off, so I joined the Marine Corps."

For Helleson, a native of Tonasket, Wash., her experiences outside the Marine Corps involved a seasonal job of fighting small acre forest fires while working on an initial attack crew.

In 2001, Helleson was on a 20-person self-supporting crew that went to large incident fires with high complexity. The crew, known as a National Hotshot Crew, fought fires that threatened homes and other resources out of Great Falls, Mont.

"On the Hotshot crew, I worked eight months and went to 10 different states on fire emergencies," she said. "Our crew would stay out on the fire line up to 16 days at a time and up to 16 hours a day."

Helleson served her country by preventing the spreading of small fires and preserving the natural conservation of land.

The job, unfortunately, was seasonal so for four months out of the year, she was laid off.

Helleson received her seasonal job with the Forest Service by attending an academy in Sacramento, Calif., that prepared her for a supervisory role as an engine foreman.

Helleson is an assistant foreman on an Initial Attack fire

engine, which only has 250-400 gallons of water and is ready to support a small fire with either manpower and hand tools, or suppress the fire with water.

"To this day, my preferred tool to use is still the chainsaw," she laughed.

Helleson decided to go through Marine recruit training while in her "offf-season" of firefighting.

She will have a military occupational specialty of landing support specialist, which involves the movement, evacuation, and hospitalization of personnel.

"I was inspired to join the best military branch that the world has to offer and gain awesome experiences that I can apply in my everyday life and job," said Helleson.

"All the co-workers that I work with at home support me a hundred percent and are my motivation so I can be a better peer and supervisor."

Helleson said she plans to return to her job and become a smokejumper by the end of next year. Helleson said a smokejumper is the most elite firefighting job when it comes to forest fires.

"The most exhilarating moments in my firefighting career have been the times where five or six of us firefighters get flown into an initial attack fire in the wilderness and camp on the line after working hard all day long to put it out," Helleson described.

U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. John R. Glynn

Marine Puts Accounting Degree to Work


By Cpl. Shawn C. Rhodes / Combat Correspondent
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., Jan. 14, 2004 – When John R. Glynn was in school, math was his favorite subject. He never could have known that his love for numbers would someday put him in control of $5 million and the lives of nearly 2,000 Marines.
“It’s my job to purchase gear for the Marines in Headquarters Battalion and other battalions in Second Marine Division,” said the 28-year-old corporal. The fiscal chief for Headquarters Battalion hails from Atlanta, Ga., where he earned an associate’s degree in accounting.

“My job is basic accounting – I track where the money comes from and where it goes,” he said. “Then I make sure we get what we pay for and it makes it to the right people.”

Glynn started his career with numbers at an accounting firm but said he wasn’t happy there.

“My life wasn’t moving in the right direction at the firm,” he said. “I’d heard about the military so one day I decided to look into it.”

His recruiter helped place him into the military’s supply occupational field where his degree in accounting would best be used.

“There are a lot of things I learned at the firm that help me here. The most important thing is developing relationships with vendors so they know who you are,” Glynn said. “It requires you carry a professional mentality with you because things are always hectic here.”

The office Glynn and his coworkers use is always buzzing – they have a lot of work to do. A normal day for Glynn begins at 7:30 in the morning and may not end until 6 p.m. or later.

“The toughest part of my job is trying to make everyone happy,” Glynn said amid ringing phones. His well-built 215-pound, 6-feet-2-inch frame looks more at home with an infantry unit, but his job keeps him on the move.

“I’m rarely at my desk,” he said. “I make sure that when an item comes in it goes to the right people so it keeps me away from my desk as much as I’m there,” he said.




U.S. Marine Cpl. John R. Glynn tracks a $5 million budget for the U.S. Marine Corps. U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Shawn C. Rhodes





When he is at his desk, his green eyes scan a computer screen, as he balances and reconciles numbers on spreadsheets often with a phone pressed to his ear.

“I have to make myself take a break sometimes,” he said. “A whole day can go by with no down time if I let it,” he added.

“Glynn stays on task and is very dedicated to what he does. He’s the one you’re most likely to catch here on the weekends,” said Cpl. Elaine M. Prater, also a fiscal clerk with the battalion. “I’ve learned a lot about prioritizing and working with people from him,” added the 20-year-old from North Judson, Ind. “There have been times where he’s come here on his off-time to help me out with my work.”

There are rewards to Glynn’s hectic job – he has the satisfaction of knowing Marines are deploying with the best protection they can have.

“I know I’ve done everything I can to get these Marines the right gear,” he said. “I facilitated the purchase of Humvee plates and one of them got hit while it was in Iraq. Everyone was OK. It feels good to know I had a part in those Marines coming home.”

U.S. Marine Corps
Staff Sgt. Robert D. Oehler


Marine Reenlists in Ramadi for Second Term


By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tom Sloan
AR RAMADI, Iraq, June 13, 2005 — The bright sun caused Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment to squint their eyes as they stood in formation. Sand and dust blowing in the wind added to the realization that they were in Iraq. Up front, facing away from the Marines, was the 5-foot-6-inch, 155-pound, redheaded Marine they had gathered to honor.

Staff Sgt. Robert D. Oehler, a Marine with nearly a decade of dedicated service to the Corps, swore to devote another four years during a reenlistment ceremony held here March 6.

It was a proud day for the intelligence chief for Headquarters and Service Company.

"It's a special re-up because, in my opinion, this is where we should be as Marines," said the 28-year-old Jacksonville, Fla. native. "We are writing ourselves in the history books for freeing a country and saving it from attrition."


"We are writing ourselves in the history books for freeing a country and saving it from attrition," Staff Sgt. Robert D. Oehler






Oehler, who's in Iraq a second time supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, said it's great knowing Iraqi women are voting for the first time and now all children have the opportunity to attend school.

"It's great knowing our generation of Marines are part of this," he said. "In the future, we may be known as the Iraqi liberators. I will someday read what we did here, and I'm pleased to be part of that."

Oehler said he's also pleased he reenlisted in Iraq because doing so landed him a tax-fee reenlistment bonus of more than $10,000.

"He's looking at getting a little more than $10,000," said Staff Sgt. William E. Beschman Jr., career retention specialist for the battalion. "The lump sum will be paid in full, and he should see it hit his bank account in the next few weeks."




U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Robert D. Oehler, intelligence chief for Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, holds up his right hand and repeats after his commanding officer, Lt. Col. Eric M. Smith of Plano, Texas, during his reenlistment ceremony here March 6, 2005. Oehler collected a bonus of more than $10,000 that's tax-free because he reenlisted in Iraq, which the Department of Defense designated to be a tax-exclusion zone. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tom Sloan

According to the 32-year-old Cincinnati native, Oehler was given a bonus to reenlist because of the need of his military occupational specialty for Marines of his rank. Such incentives are meant to keep career Marines like Oehler, who has years of experience, instead of spending more money and man-hours training someone else to do his job. Other MOS's have bonuses too, Beschman said.

"It's a better deal for everyone (the Marine Corps and Marines reenlisting)."

Oehler's bonus is tax-free because of where he reenlisted, explained Beschman. The Department of Defense designated Iraq to be a tax-exclusion zone, which means any money earned while in Iraq won't be taxed, he said.

Oehler said he plans on marrying his girlfriend, Michaele Starrett, when he returns home to California from this deployment. He met her the night he returned home from Iraq in 2003.

"I told her this seven months apart will be the test of our relationship," he said.

According to Oehler, he believes enough in his mission here that he plans to one day return to a peaceful Iraq with his girlfriend.

"My goal is to someday be able to bring my girlfriend here to Ramadi for a few drinks and to enjoy the sun."

At 25 years of age, 1st Lt. William Wallace, a UH-1N Huey pilot with Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Detachment Al Qaim, is the youngest pilot in the squadron. The native of La Grange, Ky., was commissioned a Marine officer in 2001 after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Juan Vara

U.S. Marine Corps
1st Lieutenant William Wallace
Blue Grass Native Supports Operation Iraqi Freedom from Above
By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Juan Vara
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing


AL QAIM, Iraq, June 14, 2005 — William Wallace knows a thing or two about doing things right the first time.
While attending Eastern Kentucky University, he worked as a cook in an Australian steakhouse. Any time a disgruntled customer sent a steak back, he’d spend more time near the grill cooking that order to perfection.

A few years have gone by and Wallace is now a first lieutenant and UH-1N Huey pilot assigned to Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Detachment Al Qaim. His new customers: Marines on the battlefield. And while there are no grills here, the heat hasn’t gone away.

Recently, he took part in Operation Matador, a seven-day offensive aimed at eliminating insurgents and foreign fighters from the northwestern Al Anbar province. Wallace, a 25-year-old first lieutenant (the youngest pilot in the squadron), took the bull by the horns.

He and fellow ‘Gunrunners’ of HML/A-269 provided close air support and sent a large number of rounds down range, helping Marines from Regimental Combat Team 2 secure objectives in and around the Euphrates River cities of Karabilah, Ramana and Ubaydi, near the Syrian border.

During the planning stages of the operation Wallace pitched in by conducting armed reconnaissance missions.

Originally from La Grange, Ky., Wallace was commissioned a Marine officer after graduating from college in 2001. His father served in the Army, but he decided on the Corps because it stood out from the other services.

“I knew I wanted to be in the military,” he said. “I visited all of the recruiters in high school and it seemed like the Marines had more pride in the organization and what they’re doing.”

He reported to Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla., for flight school in January 2003. After several months of intense training he was designated a Naval aviator in May 2004 and joined his current unit in November of the same year.


“My father was a pilot and my three brothers are all pilots,” he said. “I caught the bug when I was in high school.”

Wallace chose to fly the Huey, a helicopter that dates back to the Vietnam War, because of its versatility to fly.

“The Huey can be used for anything from close air support, command and control, troop insertions and extractions, rappelling operations, just about anything,” said Wallace. “Since I’ve been in Iraq I’ve flown more than 100 hours.”

He didn’t even spend three weeks with the squadron before he was packing up and on the go. In early December he traveled to Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz., for Exercise Desert Talon and two months later he was in Iraq.

Senior instructor pilots help him continue training as much as possible in between missions, but sometimes the training is tied in to real world operations.

“The learning curve is a lot steeper here,” said Wallace. “You have to learn a lot quicker because a lot of people depend on you to get it right the first time.”

An under or overcooked steak is the last thing that crosses his mind. Though he does miss the grill. “I miss barbecuing and hanging out with my family and friends.”

Wallace who’s influenced one of his brothers to become a Marine officer as well, wants to better himself as an officer and a pilot. He takes pride in being here and understands the importance of his role in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Being a pilot here is a really valuable part to the squadron,” he said. “The squadron brings a lot to the Marine Corps by supporting the ground guys and the sooner they get the mission accomplished the sooner we go home. Right now there’s no other thing I’d rather do.”

United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
National U.S. Marine Parents’ Conference; ; National U.S. Marine Parents’ Conference,

comm:608-455-7276, comm:260-636-3102
Contact:

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Release # 0628-05-1033

National Marine Corps Parents’ Conference gearing up and accepting registrations
June 28, 2005

The second annual National Marine Corps Parents’ Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, July 29-31, 2005 is gearing up and accepting registrations!

“United in Pride” is the theme this year in Kansas City and it truly represents the Marine Corps family. Along with our reception and banquet, church service and closing program, the upcoming conference is expanding to include many more workshops, a Kansas City tour, golf outing, breakfast buffet and lunch buffet. Authors Dennis Shepherd, Returning Son , and reporter/author Michael Phillips, The Gift of Valor will be speaking at our conference. We are proud to have Frank Schaeffer, Marine father and author, and Adam Marshall, Marine, songwriter/singer, returning for encore’ talks and entertainment.

Captain Gene Thomas Gomulke, Survival Guide for the Marriage in the Military, will be giving two workshops on families and marriage plus many more workshops are being offered. In addition to Adam, we will also have other outstanding musical guests along with Skip Hawkin’s jazz ensemble. We will also have the showing of a special video project organized by photographer, Linda Kelly, Marine mom to honor our Marines plus a special time will be devoted to honor our Fallen Marines and their families with Gold Star Parents, Scott and Candy Wasser speaking and leading a workshop. We will offer a church service on Sunday and will have a celebration closing on Sunday morning. The Airport Hilton Hotel is wonderful and the Director of the Airport Hilton is a father of a Marine. We are excited to be at the Hilton this year!

Two auctions will be conducted that will be of interest to any Marine or Marine family. A framed flag flown over the Capitol to honor our sons and daughters and their parents, a handmade silver Marine ring, hotel get away, plus many Marine related items that young and old will treasure are going to be auctioned off on Saturday, July 31.

With sons, daughters and spouses fighting overseas, the need to come together is vital to deal with issues and support one another. A parent or spouse of a United States Marine is not only proud of the Marine’s service to our country but on a personal level, equally proud of the training, values and principals that the Marine Corps instills. If you feel that you could help in any way, please contact us.

Please join us for this weekend and help us spread the word.
Visit the website for registration and to sign up for more information and a brochure

La Habra Marine turns life around in the Corps
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 20057101438
Story by Cpl. Mike Escobar



THAR THAR REGION, Iraq (July 1, 2005) -- ‘Lotto,’ as his friends here call him, struck it rich when he joined the Marine Corps.

Seeing the 23-year-old La Habra, Calif., native lead his team of three Marines through the often-perilous streets of Fallujah and bombed-out desert fields outside the city, one might have a hard time visualizing this young man as a troubled youth causing mischief on the streets of his hometown.

“I came from a broken family. I was involved with drugs, vandalism, and a lot of juvenile crime stuff,” explained Lance Cpl. Anthony Lazzarotto, currently deployed to Iraq and serving as a fire team leader with the 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. “There were a lot of hoodlums where I was from, so I thought I was just doing my thing along with everyone else.”

However, he felt ready for a change.

“I was engaged to this one girl, and things didn’t quite work out,” continued Lazzarotto, a 2000 Sonora High School graduate. “I needed to get away from where I was at and all the bad stuff I was doing. I talked to my good buddy Josh, who had already joined the Marine Corps, and he told me some things about it.”

Lazzarotto visited with his local recruiters, whom he claims dissuaded him from serving the Corps as a jet mechanic and encouraged him to sign up for the infantry instead.

“My recruiters had a good way of showing me the ‘grunt’ way, so I eventually just said, ‘Hey, sign me up,’” he stated. “I went to boot camp Oct. 2002, on my 21st birthday, actually.”

“I got there, and my drill instructors were all like, ‘Get on the yellow footprints!’ and I was thinking to myself, ‘Hey, where’s my cake?’” he added with a chuckle.

After receiving subsequent training as an infantryman, Lazzarotto reported to his present command June 2003. He did not get much time to soak in the North Carolina lifestyle, however.

“As soon as I got there, they were doing their workups (pre-deployment training) for Afghanistan,” he said.

After several months of field training, Lazzarotto set sail with his unit Feb. 2004 as part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, one of the Corps’ mobile forces able to deploy from a self-contained base at sea.

“Afghanistan … that was an experience,” remarked Lazzarotto, as he recalled the long days of hardships he and fellow Marines shared in the mountainous, barren wastelands. “I can’t say it was all that bad, though. Once we got to Afghanistan, I felt like I was in Nevada because of the layout of the land. Once I saw all the locals working and everything, it was quite a trip.”

The next several months flew by for the Marines, as Lazzarotto said the unit conducted operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We started doing nonstop ops, from here to there. We’d take a truck to one village, and then walk to the next. We’d just be hiking all day, then stop to search an entire village.”

There, he also broke a rib when his seven-ton truck rolled over while attempting to cross through some particularly treacherous mountain terrain.

“Nobody died, which was a really good thing, but a lot of my buddies that I really clicked with got hurt and sent home,” he stated.

However, Lazzarotto recovered, finished up this tour of service in September, and returned to the States to get ready for his unit’s next mission: Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“I got a chance to go home over Christmas, on pre-deployment leave, and I got married then,” he said.

Less than six months after he and his teammates had returned from their challenging overseas mission, Lazzarotto once again set off to serve his country.

Since mid-March, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment personnel have been conducting counter-insurgency operations in and around the once-embattled city of Fallujah. These missions include constant presence patrols through the city alongside Iraqi Security Forces, as well as various raids and sweeps through the desert fields bordering it. The two nations’ military forces continue working together to rid the area of the insurgency.

Although the mission the troops perform here is well-intentioned, Lazzarotto’s lasting pleasures stem from the personal lessons he’s learned as a U.S. Marine.

“The Marine Corps has taught me so much about myself. I was the kind of person who would resort to foul means if the legitimate way of doing things got tough. This has taught me that even if you don’t like to do something, sometimes you have to do it anyways.”

In the military, Lazzarotto has also found a surrogate family.

“I never had any siblings, but I’ve seen people who do,” he said. “They argue and bicker, but they always have each other’s backs, and this is the same thing we do here. Sometimes, you really don’t want someone around you, but no matter how pissed off you are at a person, you’re always going to be there for him. I’d say this is kind of like my adoptive family.”

In little over one year, Lazzarotto will put these experiences learned to use by either re-enlisting in the Corps, or pursuing other goals outside the military.

“I don’t know if I want to stay in. I was thinking about extending for another deployment, but now that I’m married, I’ll take that into consideration. If I don’t stay in, I’ll go back to school and join the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). I figure if I can wipe out drugs, then it will help someone else not go down the path I was on. I’ve been on both sides of it, so I think I’d be perfect for the job.”

Wounded vets run, walk, roll in NYC
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification #: 2005630132649
Story by Cpl. Jess Levens



NEW YORK CITY (July 1, 2005) -- Marines, spouses and sailors from Medical Holding Platoon, Naval Medical Center San Diego, recently took a free four-day trip to New York City to participate in the Achilles Track Club's Hope and Possibilities Run/Walk and to take in the city.

The Marines flew from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., on a C-130, and touched down at Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., last Friday.

New York City firefighters met the Marines at the landing strip and served as their weekend transportation. With the sirens of police escorts blaring, the wounded vets arrived in Manhattan and were greeted at the Soldiers', Sailors', Marines' and Airmen's Club by firefighters, police officers, media and passersby. The entire block was barricaded off to prevent traffic. In the middle of the street, in the midst of all the commotion, Lance Cpl. Kelly Orman took a knee and asked his girlfriend, Rachael Cole to be his wife. She said yes, and two days later, firefighters handed Orman a can of white spray paint to mark his romantic spot. Orman painted two white hearts in the middle of the street.

The Marines met at Central Park early Saturday morning, joined by wounded service members from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Md., for an introduction to the 5-mile run, to stretch out. Some selected hand-cranked wheelchairs.

After the Central Park meeting, the firefighters took the Marines on an exclusive Ground Zero tour, where the 9/11 tragedies happened in 2001. The Marines spent the rest of the day on a double-decker bus tour of the city and then attended an appreciation dinner back at the hotel.

Sunday morning, the Marines rolled out of bed for the big race. Firefighters drove them to Central Park. The race was open to all, and many of the runners were ambulatory impaired or visually impaired. Marines who couldn't walk or run used racing wheelchairs.

Cpl. Nick Beberniss, whose legs were badly wounded in Iraq, rode an adult tricycle. After he finished, he saw his wife Leslie running to the finish line. He made his way back onto the road and ran with her the rest of the way. Doctors once told him he would never walk again.

"I think it really motivated my wife," said Beberniss. "Since my injury, she hasn't seen me do anything like that."

Leslie crossed the finish line almost in tears.

"I needed (to see him do that)," she said. "That was the most positive thing I've seen physically from him. Seeing him run was overwhelming - I didn't know whether to smile or cry. I think I did both."

As the racers piled in, they moved to a VIP tent for food and drinks. The local USO provided some singers who entertained the service members with patriotic medleys while the racers recovered.

After a quick shower, the vets went aboard the USS Intrepid for a luncheon and awards ceremony from the Achilles Track Club. One dock space over, the Marines boarded a privately owned schooner for a water tour of New York City.

The trip ended with a visit to the Staten Island Marine Corps League to share drinks and stories with the local old-timers.

Early the next morning, the crew left the hotel and boarded the C-130 for the flight back to San Diego.