NEWS


Celebration of Eid al-Fitar marks end of Ramadan

Story and photos by Cpl. Mark Garcia

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – More than 300 Muslims from various countries came together to celebrate Eid al-Fitar, Aug. 19. Eid al-Fitar, also known as Eid, marks the end of Ramadan and is a time of celebration when Muslims hold a festival, pray and ask for forgiveness. During the Eid service Muslims from different nationalities joined together to enjoy the festivities. “Today is the day of Eid or celebration day, we do this after Ramadan is completed,” said Awais Ahmed, from Arlington, Virg., a linguist and one of the coordinators for the Eid service. “After Ramadan is conducted, we’ll come together and have a big festival during which we pray and ask God to forgive our sins and accept our prayers and fasting and everything that we did during Ramadan. So, the purpose of Eid is for us to come together so that we may share our happiness and joy.” (Read the STORY)

Rolling thunder: Marine tankers provide safety for operational forces

Story and photos by Cpl. Kenneth Jasik

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marines with Bravo Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 6, have been supporting the most dangerous operations in northern Helmand province since they first arrived about two months ago. “We are here to support small units that would like an armor capability,” said Cpl. William A. Seniw, tank crewman, Bravo Company. “Nobody messes with the tanks. Nobody wants to shoot at us because of the capabilities we have.” The M1A1 Abrams tanks the Marines operate have night and day optics with a high magnification ability, so the Marines can see almost everything in their line of sight. “We can identify people from about 8,000 meters away,” said Lance Cpl. Steven C. Noyes, tank crewman, Bravo Company. “From what I’ve seen, every time (insurgents) see a tank they run away. We have superior firepower.” (Read the STORY)

Combat Logistics Battalion 4 finishes tour in Afghanistan, transfers responsibilities during ceremony

Story and photos by Cpl. Mark Stroud

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan—Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), transferred responsibilities to CLB-2, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), during a ceremony here Aug. 14.
The CLB-4 colors were cased during the ceremony, symbolically marking the end of their tour, as CLB-2 uncased their colors to signify officially taking over logistics support duties. The transfer of authority ceremony marked the culmination of all of the work and sacrifices contributed by the CLB-4 Marines and sailors, signifying the end to this stage of their adventure in the Marine Corps, said Lt. Col. Adam L. Chalkley, Commanding Officer, CLB-4. The Marines of CLB-4 began their Afghanistan tour in February, providing Tactical Logistics Support to Regimental Combat Team 6. (Read the STORY)

Two US Navy sailors to represent American talent in British talent contest in Afghanistan

Story and photos by Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael

 

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – Two sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 are preparing to compete with service members from the U.K. and U.S. in a talent contest Aug. 31, 2012 for a cash prize and a trophy. The Task Force Jag talent show is an all talent encompassing competition being held on the British Camp, Bastion.
Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Laquita S. Brooks and Construction Mechanic Constructionman Kevin E. Quarles were among six Americans awarded automatic entry in the British talent competition following the Aug. 4 talent contest on Camp Leatherneck which is adjacent to Camp Bastion.  The Task Force Jag talent show will cost audience members a dollar for the show only, or two dollars for the show and barbeque. (Read the STORY)

 

VIGNETTES

First Time, First Firefight – Marine stays focused during combat

Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo

PATROL BASE DETROIT, Afghanistan – It’s a moment of truth for many Marines – the first time they are in combat and their training is put to the test. When his squad took enemy contact during a recent patrol through Trek Nawa, Pfc. Timothy Workman found his moment.  “I could hear rounds cracking over my head,” said Workman, mortarman, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, Regimental Combat Team 6. “The adrenaline started pumping right away.” This was Workman’s first firefight. A year ago, he was standing on the yellow footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island to start basic training, a tradition every Marine recruit goes through. Now, with the mid-morning sun beating down, he was crouched in a ditch, his M16 assault rifle ready. (Read the STORY)

Following the scent: An explosive detector dog and his handler protect Marines

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Brian Buckwalter

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Riding in an armored truck over Afghanistan’s rutted dirt roads is scarcely a smooth or comfortable experience. Each bump is felt as leaf springs groan and creak under the weight of the mine resistant, ambush-protected vehicle. The air conditioner circulates dusty air, and unless you’re right next to the vents, you’re drenched in sweat. Body armor weighs down on shoulders and compounds the pain of sitting in one spot for hours on end. For Lance Cpl. Stephen Mader and his dog Maxx, this experience is routine. Mader is an improvised explosive device detector dog handler with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 6.  (Read the STORY)

 

Muslim Marine serves his country, faith

Story and photos by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Every year, millions of Muslims participate in the month-long observance of Ramadan. This year, it ended on August 18, 2012. Part of the observance involves fasting from dawn to sunset, something Lance Cpl. Malike Mejdouli did while deployed to a combat zone. Mejdouli is a devout Muslim and continues to follow his faith’s principles and practices while serving in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  During Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world abstain from food, drink and other physical needs during the daylight hours. Fasting involves not just refraining from food and drink but also evil actions, thoughts and words. (Read the STORY)

 

From streets of Harlem to sands of Afghanistan, Marine maintains accountability with high motivation

Story and photos by Sgt. Michele Watson

 

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Some say success is harder to achieve for kids raised in inner city neighborhoods. Though there may be more obstacles to overcome, success is still attainable, and for Sgt. Edward Gonzalez, growing up in Harlem did not define whom he would become. “My friend’s uncle was a major in the Marine Corps,” said Gonzalez, supply chief, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion (-) Reinforced, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). “He was one of the few people that got out of the hood. We went to see him in Quantico, and he had a nice house and car; I wanted that. He was a good influence.” (Read the STORY)


One Marine feeds company

Story and photos by Cpl Ed Galo

FORWARD COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Afghanistan –Whether preparing the ingredients to be used for a meal, preheating ovens or making sure the food doesn’t over cook, feeding 300 people can be a difficult task. It can be even harder in a foreign environment and a single Marine is tasked with the workload. Corporal Nicholas Fredrick, food service specialist, Charlie Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 6, usually starts his day around 4 a.m. to begin cooking breakfast. He begins to serve food from the mess tent aboard Combat Outpost Castle, Khan Neshin, Afghanistan at 7 a.m. (Read the STORY)


‘Sailor of the Sands’ provides care in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.

PATROL BASE SHABAN, Afghanistan - With a deep-rooted family history of service in the Navy, Hospitalman Zachary D. Greenberg chose to continue to follow that tradition. The 21-year-old from Woodenville, Wash., made his decision to join a year ago. My brother was in Afghanistan in 2010, and before he came home I had already been talking to the recruiter,” said Greenberg. “I joined because I wanted to serve like my brother, and I thought the military would be a good fit for me.” Greenberg’s Navy roots extend deep into his family tree. His grandfather and an uncle were both sailors too. “My Grandpa Bob was a telephonic radio communications 2nd class in the 1950s,” said Greenberg. “He served on a carrier for a deployment. My Uncle Morris, he was an electrician’s mate. He served for six to seven years.” (Read the STORY)


Warren Texas native proudly serves in Marine Corps

Photos by Cpl. Ed Galo

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Not long after graduating from recruit training, Staff Sgt. Christopher Webb found himself fighting just to stay in the Marine Corps. While he was at the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Webb received knee reconstruction surgery twice. “My first knee injury came from hiking,” said Webb of Warren, Texas. “The second one happened about three months after my first surgery. I was breaking up a fight and got kicked in the knee. It tore everything they had fixed apart.” Because the recovery time required from the surgeries, he had to stay at SOI for three years. In comparison, most Marines are only there for about a month. (See more PHOTOS)


Washington native fights in Afghanistan, continues Infantry legacy

Story by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.

AFGHANISTAN - Marines decide to become a member of the finest force on earth for many different reasons. For Lance Cpl. Joshua D. Bucko, it was a call to duty. Bucko, mortarman, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, Regimental Combat Team 6, is currently deployed to the Kajaki District of Helmand province, Afghanistan. “Really it was like a call to service-type of thing,” said the Marysville, Wash., native about his decision to join. “I thought about it, and I had family members in the service. I decided I was going to go somewhere, but I just didn’t know where.”
Having eloped earlier that year, Bucko said he felt a slight pressure to move things along and make a change for the better. “I ended up renting three Marine Corps (motivational)-movies and watching them,” said Bucko. “It just kind of sat with me for a week then I told my wife, “Hey Babe, I’m going to talk to a recruiter tomorrow for the Marine Corps.(See more PHOTOS)

 

VIDEOS

Marines Bid Farewell to Friend, Brother

Multimedia by Cpl. Mark Garcia

On a quiet Friday afternoon more than 100 coalition servicemembers gathered to honor Sgt. Joshua R. Ashley, a fallen comrade during a memorial ceremony in the Regional Command Southwest chapel, Aug. 17. He was killed in action, July 19 while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan. Ashley, from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., was a dog handler with Military Working Dogs Platoon, 1st Law Enforcement Battalion (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward). Sound bites include fellow dog handlers from the same unit, Lance Cpl. Kent F. Ferrell, Lance Cpl. Philip R. Beauchamp and Cpl. Ryan G. Hale. Also available in high definition.  (Watch the VIDEO)

 

 

Keeping our Honor Clean: CLB-5 Embedded Partnering Team

Video by Sgt John Jackson

This is part nine of a series highlighting the work of 1st MLG (Fwd) noncommissioned officers deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This news story is about the Combat Logistics Battalion 5 Embedded Partnering Team and the mission they accomplish while deployed. Available in High Definition. Produced by Sgt. John Jackson. High Definition.  (Watch the VIDEO)

 

Muslims from Different Nations Gather to Celebrate Eid al-Fitar

Video by Cpl. Mark Garcia

More than 300 Muslims from various countries came together to celebrate Eid al-Fitar, Aug. 19. Eid al-Fitar also known as Eid, marks the end of Ramadan and is a time of celebration when Muslims hold a festival, pray and ask for forgiveness. Produced by Cpl. Mark Garcia. Also available in High Definition. (Watch the VIDEO)

 

 

From Vietnam to Afghanistan – End of Era for Icon of Marine Aviation

Video by Sgt. James Mercure

B-Roll of the last flight of the CH-53D by the "Ugly Angels" of HMH-362, in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 16. Produced by Sgt. James Mercure. Also available in high definition. (Watch the VIDEO)

 

 



Marketed/Republished Combat Correspondent Product

No beans or bandages - St. Cloud native supplying bullets, rockets in Afghanistan, republished in World’s Luxury Guide

New England’s own arrives in Afghanistan, prepares for operations, republished in Film on TV

Marine Corps’ CH-53D helicopter makes last flight, republished in NC Times

Cpl. Nicholas Diederich, republished in Film on TV

Cpl. Jeremy Helfinstine, from Clanton, Ala., talks to a WTKF-FM reporter about his duties and responsibilities in Afghanistan.

 Lance Cpl. Anthony DiPiazza, from Cheyenne, Wyo., talks to a WTKF-FM reporter about his duties and responsibilities in Afghanistan.

First Time, First Fire Fight republished in Black Anthem

 

                      

    I Marine Expeditionary Force