NEWS

 

Servicemembers observe moment of silence, candlelight vigil for Sandy Hook victims, families

Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo

 

 

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Despite being focused on the realities of war, approximately 100 service members and civilians gathered aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 21, to remember the victims and families affected by the Newtown, Conn., tragedy. Deployed service members quickly heard news of the horrific event that happened one week ago and wanted to show their support. The Sandy Hook Vigil five-kilometer walk, named after the elementary school where 20 children and six adults were killed, brought the deployed service members and civilians together. Candles were passed out and lit in remembrance of the lives lost before a moment of silence. “I thought of my younger brothers, my younger sister and cousins,” said Lance Cpl. Ravoughn Henry, supply administration clerk, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward). “I don’t know how I would feel if I came home and something like this had happened to them.” (Read the STORY)



RCT-7 leadership discusses future of Helmand province

Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo

 

 

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Key coalition leaders arrived at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, for the first commander’s conference under Regimental Combat Team 7, Dec. 19, to discuss the future of Helmand province. With RCT-7 overseeing an integral part in the drawdown of coalition forces in Afghanistan, Col. Austin Renforth, commanding officer, RCT-7, brought leaders from 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment; 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment; the Georgian Army, and U.S. and United Kingdom advisor teams, among others to discuss the future of the regiment’s area of operations. “We brought everyone here today to understand where we are right now and where we are going,” said Maj. Gen. David H. Berger, commanding general, Task Force Leatherneck. During the conference, the leadership discussed their focus on advising, developing and supporting the Afghan forces, supporting the advancement of the provincial and local governments, and evolving with the progress to enable a sustainable security and stability for the future of Afghanistan. “Enabling (the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) governance and development,” said Renforth. “At the end of the day, that is what we want and is our intent. How we do it is all these things right here.” One of the things Renforth was referring to were the advisor teams.  (Read the STORY)

Motor transport sections provide supplies throughout area

Story and photos by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.

 

 

COMBAT OUTPOST SHAMSHER, Afghanistan – As a main logistical hub in northern Helmand province, Marines operating at Combat Outpost Shamsher continuously supply and support Marines and their coalition partners in their area of operations. The motor transport section for Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, plays an integral part ensuring surrounding units are supplied and operational. “We supply everything and anything to the Marines who are out here,” said 1st Lt. James F. Collins, motor transport officer for H&S Co. “Everybody’s happy to see what we are bringing to them, whether it is the operators delivering supplies or the mechanics coming in to turn those wrenches and get them up and running.” The motor transport section is comprised of several Marines who are split into two main shops, maintenance and operations.  (Read the STORY)




Tribute to New York Fire Department, ladder company patrols Afghan sky

Story and photos by Sgt. John Jackson

 

 

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – In an effort to ensure Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 Marines remember why they are deployed, the squadron has adopted one of New York Fire Department’s most decorated ladder companies that was heavily involved during the rescue attempts at the World Trade Center, Sept. 11, 2001. The squadron, which is comprised of AH-1W Super Cobras and UH-1Y Hueys and tasked with providing air support to Marines and their coalition and Afghan partners, began its current deployment in southern Afghanistan during the beginning of November. During HMLA’s deployment, in addition to communicating with the “Green Berets” of Engine 60, Ladder 17, a company that has been awarded 18 Department Medals for Valor and more than 20 unit citations since 1970, at the conclusion of the squadron’s shift change briefs, Lt. Col. Garrett Hoffman, commanding officer, HMLA-169, announces the name and shows the photograph of a fallen firefighter who lost his life on 9/11. He then ends the brief by saying two simple words, “Never forget.” (Read the STORY)

Artillerymen celebrate St. Barbara’s Day in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Robert Reeves

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Artillerymen from throughout Regional Command Southwest gathered aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, as a harmonious coalition of “cannon cockers” to pay homage to the patron saint of artillery, Saint Barbara, Dec. 4. During the two-hour traditional ceremony, more than 200 artillerymen and their guests from the Marine Corps, Army, British Army and Jordanian Armed Forces enjoyed historical stories as esprit de corps echoed throughout the townhall. St. Barbara is known to protect patrons from thunderstorms, fires, explosives and sudden death. Dating back to the 17th century gunners, St. Barbara’s day has been celebrated by artillerymen throughout the globe. “It’s about brotherhood and camaraderie and a nice taste of home," said 33-year-old Gunnery Sgt. Reynaldo Philbrook, RC(SW) targeting chief and Winchester, Calif., native. "No matter what or where, we will celebrate and have our St. Barbara's day, forward or otherwise." During the St. Barbara’s day celebration participants listened to a reading of the lore of St. Barbara. Then Navy Cmdr. Edward J. Nash, a chaplain with RC(SW), gave an invocation before service members gathered to share a meal. After breaking bread together, the guest of honor, Brigadier Stuart Skeates, RC(SW) deputy commander, spoke about his love for artillery. A plaque was presented to Brig. Skeates by Battery S, 5th Battalion, 11thMarine Regiment, in recognition of his continued support to the artillery community. (Read the STORY)

 

Wounded Warriors return to Afghanistan for Operation Proper Exit

Story and photos by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.

 

 

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - A harsh reality of war is that some servicemembers must pay the ultimate sacrifice, while others are severely injured in the pursuit of freedom. For those who are injured, the healing process is not only physical but also mental. Both must be repaired to help these heroes move forward in life. To aid these wounded warriors, the Troops First foundation started Operation Proper Exit, sending wounded veterans back to the battlefield, allowing them to leave Afghanistan on their own terms. The tour brought eight servicemembers, to include five soldiers and three Marines, to the Helmand and Kandahar provinces of Afghanistan. The visit began with the warriors arriving aboard Camp Leatherneck and then escorted to the Camp Bastion Hospital, a place a few of them had already been but under different circumstances. Army Specialist Adam Bates, who was wounded in Kandahar province, was greeted by a familiar face, the nurse who had helped save his life during his deployment. (Read the STORY)



Logistical hub for northern Helmand keeps Marines equipped

Story and photos by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.

 

COMBAT OUTPOST SHAMSHER, Afghanistan – Marines must remain well equipped to be ready for daily operations in Afghanistan. Combat Outpost Shamsher provides Marines who operate in the districts of Now Zad, Sangin, Musa Qal’ah and Kajaki, with the logistical capabilities to stay on task and accomplish the mission. “Without this particular COP, we wouldn’t have a centralized point to push all of our (classes of supply) out of, that being chow, ammo and fuels,” said 1st Lt. Jeffrey Medeiros, assistant logistics officer with Headquarters and Services Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7. “We wouldn’t be able to sustain as far north as we are in Kajaki and all the way down south to Sabit Qadam.” In addition to Marines with H&S Co., there are many different sections and units represented at COP Shamsher who work together to ensure supplies are pushed out to the areas in need. “We’ve got two platoons of Marines from Golf Company, (2nd Bn., 7th Marines),” said 1st Sgt. Joseph R. Griffin, first sergeant for H&S Co. (Read the STORY)

VIGNETTES

From landing first helicopter to returning as squadron commander, Afghanistan defines Marine
Story by Cpl. Mark Garcia

 

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – Before 9/11, Lt. Col. Jay Holtermann was unsure whether he would continue his military career. Holtermann is currently serving on his sixth deployment, this one as the commanding officer for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward). “9/11 changed the way I look at everything in the Marine Corps,” said Holtermann, from Green Bay, Wis. “I didn’t think I was going to stay in. All I had seen was training and that’s all we ever did, but there was never really the enemy. After 9/11 though, everything changed. We had an actual enemy. It’s the reason why a lot of people came in and why a lot of people stayed in, and it’s definitely the reason that I stayed in.” Since getting commissioned, Holtermann has enjoyed his time as a Marine and the opportunities it has provided him. “Being a Marine has been the primary source of my motivation for the last 18 years and has provided me with countless opportunities to live the life I’ve wanted to,” Holtermann said. (Read the STORY)


Trading snow for sand, North Pole Marine deploys to Afghanistan

Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo

 

COMBAT OUTPOST TAGHAZ, Afghanistan – A Marine from a town most commonly associated with elves, Santa Claus, reindeer and snow has heard all the jokes since he joined the Marine Corps. He is from a town with candy cane themed street lights, a Santa Claus Lane and where thousands of childrens’ letters arrive for Santa. Now with the holiday season upon the Marines, the North Pole, Alaska, native is surrounded by sand and dirt, a long way from the snow and ice he is familiar with this time of year. When Lance Cpl. Kody Broderick, machine gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, was in third grade, he moved to North Pole, a small town near Fairbanks, Alaska. “When I tell people I am from North Pole, they think I’m joking,” said Broderick. “I usually have to show them my driver’s license to get them to believe me.” Once the Marines find out where Broderick is from they cannot help but partake in some good natured jokes. Lance Cpl. Carl Adams, mortarman with the company, said he asks Broderick questions about living in the North Pole and working with elves. (Read the STORY)


First deployment to Afghanistan sniper’s dream finally fulfilled

Story and photos by Cpl. Mark Garcia

 

MUSA QAL’AH DISTRICT CENTER, Afghanistan – For Cpl. Aaron Clote, the challenge involved with becoming a Marine and the chance to experience the world was something he couldn’t miss out on. Clote, now a sniper and serving as the radio operator with the scout sniper team, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, was the oldest of seven children growing up. He was homeschooled and graduated during May 2008 and was off off to recruit training the following month. “One factor to me enlisting was I needed a way to pay for college,” said Clote, from Wentzville, Mo. “I wanted to get out and get some life experiences and the Marine Corps was the only way for me to do both. I was looking for something that would challenge me and develop me more as a person, and I thought the Marine Corps would challenge me the most out of any branch.” Clote is currently serving on his third deployment, his first two were with Marine Expeditionary Units. During his time in the Marine Corps, Clote has had the opportunity to go to Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, mainland Japan and Afghanistan. For Clote, this deployment to Afghanistan is what he has been waiting for his entire time in the Marine Corps. “This is the deployment I’ve been waiting for,” Clote said. “I came in and I expected to be in Iraq or Afghanistan within six months of joining. So it took me four and half years longer than I expected but I finally made it out here. I’m definitely glad I got to experience all these different places and do all the things I’ve done. It’s what I was looking for when I came into the Marines.” (Read the STORY) 

Rare break forces Raleigh Marine to face new obstacles
Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo

 

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan – Before one Marine started his career in the Marine Corps he was faced with a broken elbow, two surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy. He watched as in an instant his dreams of earning the title United States Marine and deploying to Afghanistan were put in jeopardy. For Lance Cpl. Robert Walters, combat photographer, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, just getting to recruit training was his first obstacle to overcome. Walters broke his elbow during a training competition with recruiters. The smaller bones beneath his elbow came forward, and the momentum made them impact on the larger bone above the elbow. “When there is a common elbow break, the smaller, weaker bones usually break, and the big one above the elbow stays in tact because it’s a stronger bone,” said Walters, from Raleigh, N.C. “My break was a weird accident because my larger bone shattered and the smaller bones took all the impact.” (Read the STORY)


Conrad, Iowa native serves country on first combat deployment

Story and photos by Cpl. Mark Garcia

 

MUSA QAL’AH DISTRICT CENTER, Afghanistan – With the blood of Marines flowing though his body, Lance Cpl. Shane Kruse decided as a senior in high school that he wanted to join the Marine Corps. Growing up in the small town of Conrad, Iowa, Kruse had a graduating class of 48 students. He had the opportunity to receive a college education while on scholarship for either football or baseball, but the urge to become a Marine was greater. Kruse was on his way to recruit training four months after graduating from high school. “Both my parents were in the Marine Corps,” said Kruse, a driver and machine gunner with the Combined Anti Armor Team 2, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7. “My cousin was a Marine and was involved in the early stages of Iraq. I figured it was in my blood. I felt like I needed to become a Marine. I’ve always been driven to be the best, and the Marine Corps offered me the opportunity.” Kruse is currently serving on his second deployment, his first was with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. “I joined the Marine Corps because of 9/11, and I wanted to serve my country,” Kruse said. “I wanted to be the best, and I saw the Marine Corps as the best branch of the military that I could have joined.” Kruse noted the risks involved with his current deployment compared to his previous one. (Read the STORY) 

VIDEOS

 Engineers continue Operation Golden Gate
Video by Cpl. Kowshon Ye

 

U.S. Army Soldiers with 2nd Platoon, 132nd Multirole Bridge Company, 507th Engineer Battalion, Construct an Acrow fixed panel bridge as part of Operation Golden Gate in Sangin, Afghanistan, Dec. 9, 2012. Operation Golden Gate, a joint-service project amongst the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, and Army, is designed to improve the infrastructure for the local population. (Watch the VIDEO)





Marines inspect school construction progress

Video by Sgt. John R. Rohrer

 

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jacob NiHart, contracting officer, with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, along with Marines with Lima Company inspect the progress on construction of a new school by Afghan workers in the Fasoldeen Doree Precinct, Helmand Province, Afghanistan on Nov. 11, 2012. New construction in the area has increased economic stability and reduced the reliance on funds from illegal narcotics. (Watch the VIDEO)

 

 


Deployed servicemembers conduct Sandy Hook Vigil 5k Walk

Video by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Martin

 

Civilians and military members at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan came together in the early morning fog on December 21, 2012 for a Vigil 5K walk in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The event began with a short prayer conducted by U.S. Navy Lt. Johan Baik with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The event was organized by Camp Leatherneck Moral Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Foreman Holli Ferris.

(Watch the VIDEO)





Marketed/Republished Combat Correspondent Product

Marine Cpl. Wesley Giddens, from Paris, Texas, talks to a KCDZ 107.7 FM online reporter, in Yucca Valley, Calif., about his duties as an intelligence specialist in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Marine Cpl. David Eckel, from Ashville, Ohio, talks to a Circleville Herald reporter, in Circleville, Ohio, about his first deployment to Afghanistan, being away from home for the holidays and why he became a Marine.

Marine Cpl. Stephen Cook, from Walla Walla, Wash., talks to a KCDZ 107.7 FM Online reporter, in Twentynine Palms, Calif., about his military career plans and his duties as a legal services specialist deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.  

Marine Cpl. Confer talks to a Radio Lia reporter, in Seattle, Wash., about his duties as maintenance management chief for Combat Logistics Regiment 15 deployed to Afghanistan.

Military family apart for holidays published in the Circleville Herald.

Moment of silence, candlelight vigil for Sandy Hook victims, families republished on Newsroom America.

 Yes, there’s a Marine in Afghanistan from the North Pole published on Military Times.

From landing first helicopter to returning as squadron commander, Afghanistan defines Marine republished on ISAF website.

Tribute to New York Fire Department, ladder company patrols Afghan sky republished on RoadRunner.com.

To see more news, videos and photos of Regional Command Southwest Marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen and our coalition partners, please visit our Facebook page by clicking here.

                      

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