NEWS
Operation Golden Gate to connect Sangin, Musa Qal'ah
Story and photos by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.
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SANGIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan – Ground was broken for the start of Operation Golden Gate in the Sangin District of Helmand province, Afghanistan, Nov. 4. Marines, sailors and soldiers are working together in an effort to build a bridge more than 24 feet wide that will span more than 150 feet across the Helmand River, allowing for easy passage for the local people. “This is a joint project to build a permanent bridging solution to connect the east and west banks of the river, “said 2nd Lt. Benjamin Nelson, mission commander for Engineer Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 15. The current bridge site is near the northern causeway, which once housed a bridge that connected the people of Sangin and Musa Qal’ah. “The northern causeway was the site of an existing medium girder bridge,” said Lt. j.g. James A. Bruno, platoon commander with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133. “Over time, the river expanded west, making it no longer feasible to have the bridge there.” (Read the STORY)
Tanks disrupt enemy activity in known insurgent hotbed
Story and photos by Cpl. Mark Garcia
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COMBAT OUTPOST SHIR GHAZAY, Afghanistan – During a time when insurgents typically bed down for the winter, Marines and coalition forces engaged multiple enemy forces during Operation Helmand Viper, Oct. 19 through 27. Tanks with Bravo Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 7, led the support mission for special operations forces. The operation’s focus was to find and destroy weapons caches, improvised explosive devices and drug producing facilities. Coalition forces localized their efforts to Zamindawar, a known insurgent hotbed between Musa Qal’ah and Kajaki. Marines with Bravo Co., 2nd Tank Bn., along with various supporting units, convoyed through the night and were prepared to attack by first light, Oct. 19. By the time the sun had risen to a chilly Afghan morning, the assault was under way. Throughout the next eight days, Marines provided sustaining firepower and resupply missions for the special forces. (Read the STORY)
2/7 celebrates Marine Corps birthday in Afghanistan
Story and photos by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE SABIT QADAM, Afghanistan – Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, came together to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 237th birthday at Forward Operating Base Sabit Qadam, Afghanistan, Nov. 10. The battalion, like Marines stationed throughout the globe, celebrated the day on which the Marine Corps was created 237 years ago. The ceremony began with an invocation from the battalion chaplain, the reading of the birthday message from the commandant of the Marine Corps, and the reading of Gen. John A. Jejeune’s birthday message. After the messages were read, the Marines did a traditional cake cutting ceremony, where the youngest Marine and oldest Marine present share the first piece of cake, signifying the passing of experience and knowledge. “I know how Marines look up to us in general, so that’s always a good thing,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Ricardo Hernandez, the oldest Marine present at the ceremony. (Read the STORY)
Marines celebrate 237th birthday throughout Afghanistan
Story and photos by Master Sgt. Brenda Varnadore
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HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Major Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, Regional Command (Southwest) commanding general, and RC(SW) Sgt. Maj. Harrison Tanksley flew throughout southern Helmand province to shake every Marine’s hand in honor of the 237th Marine Corps Birthday, Nov. 10. Major Gen. Gregg Sturdevant, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) commanding general, visited the northern areas of Helmand province to wish them a happy birthday. During each stop, Maj. Gen. Gurganus and Sgt. Maj. Tanksley addressed all available Marines and posed for group photographs, whether there were 10 Marines or 50 on the outlying bases. “I just came down here to say ‘Happy Birthday,’” said the general. “There is no place I would rather be than out here with you on the birthday. Every other Marine around the world who is celebrating tonight is talking about you out here. You are doing what they all want to be doing right now. And you don’t have to make sure your ribbons are on straight.” (Read the STORY)
1,000 Afghan brothers recite Oath of Allegiance at Afghan military base
Story and photos by Sgt. James Mercure
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CAMP SHORABAK, Afghanistan – More than 1,000 Afghan soldiers with 215th Maiwand Corps swore the Afghan Army’s Oath of Allegiance during a ceremony on Camp Shorabak, Nov. 8. “This oath is a promise,” said Brig. Gen. Zamin Hassan Ehsan, the 215th Maiwand Corps Chief of Staff, as the soldiers echoed his words in unison. “The promise is to help your friends, help your country and help the people. When the ceremony concluded, more than 1,000 Afghan soldiers had taken the oath and will soon be sent throughout Helmand province to their new duty stations as a surge of force for the Afghan Army. “You are soldiers today, but you will be the future of Afghanistan tomorrow,” said Brig. Gen. Hassan Ehsan to the soldiers taking the oath. “The responsibility of the country will soon be yours. You must be there for the people because they are your people. You must protect their land because it is your land. This is our home. We are one brother fighting against one enemy, and we will protect the people.” (Read the STORY)
Combat logistics patrol supports mission, supplies Marines
Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Marines and sailors supplying the infantry and other coalition forces have a job with long hours, late nights and early mornings. Recently, a combat logistics patrol comprised of 22 vehicles and more than 60 Marines and sailors traveled to three forward operating bases. The convoy departed at 8 p.m. and returned 32-hours later. They returned after picking up an additional two vehicles, three trailers and a forklift. For servicemembers with 4th Platoon, Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistic Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, this is a typical convoy. They travel to different bases with supplies for the Marines and pick up anything broken or not needed. “On this last mission, we resupplied 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines,” said 1st. Lt. Andrew Schlottmann, the platoon commander. Schlottmann’s platoon brought food, drinks, surveillance equipment and construction materials to three bases. (Read the STORY)
Marines recognized for supporting Army program
Story and photos by Sgt. John Jackson
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – More than 20 Marines assigned to Retrograde and Redeployment in support of Reset and Reconstitution Operational Group were recognized by the Installation Management Command (Forward) command sergeant major for their work inventorying and preparing millions of dollars worth of equipment to be distributed throughout Afghanistan, Nov. 1. Army Command Sgt. Maj. James King gave letters of appreciation to the R4OG Marines for their dedication in accomplishing the mission in just a short amount of time. “You never know how much you have till it's time to move,” King told the Marines. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your hard work for a job well done.” The Marines were requested to sort through and inventory the serviceable gear, preparing it to be shipped throughout Afghanistan. They started the task Oct. 29 and completed the work by Oct. 31. “The Army didn’t have the manpower here to complete the task, so we asked the Marines for some assistance,” said Wil Seda, the director of logistics for IMCOM (Fwd). “These Marines were just fantastic.” The Marines sorted through more than 100 oversized packing containers filled with a variety of equipment, eight 20-foot ISO containers, eight generators, nine blackwater suction trucks and 11 water containers. The gear deemed serviceable was packed and prepared to be shipped out across Afghanistan to units in need. “I estimate the Marines helped save the Army $3.5 million,” Seda said. “We are able to reuse this gear and get it out to the battlefield where it's needed.” (Read the STORY)
Nearly 600 deployed personnel strive to help find cure for breast cancer
Story and photos by Cpl. Mark Garcia
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Participants in the Susan G. Komen five-kilometer Race for the Cure, gathered to do their part in the fight against breast cancer, Nov. 4. Approximately 600 servicemembers and civilian contractors came together to run or walk the 5K in an effort to raise money for people directly affected by breast cancer and the research for a cure. “I contacted the Susan G. Komen foundation in San Diego back in June,” said Gunnery Sgt. Allan Anderson, the Camp Leatherneck provost sergeant and race coordinator, from Lewiston, Maine. “I wanted to do something to make a difference, and they were excited to help us out and coordinate this race out here. Just like most people, breast cancer has affected my family as well, but more so, I just wanted to do something that would make a difference even though we’re out here and busy. I figured there was something I could do, so I figured we’d start this kind of run out here. We opened it up to the entire base and tried to get as much support as we could. We had nearly 600 people attend and raised just under $19,000.” The Susan G. Komen foundation was established in 1982 in an effort to end breast cancer throughout the world. Throughout the years, it has invested nearly $2 billion to fulfilling that promise. “I think it was great. It was way more than I would have expected or hoped for,” Anderson said. “I’m proud of our small team that put together a lot of effort, and a lot of people came out and showed their support.” (Read the STORY)
M249 Light Machine Gun: Endangered species for Marines in Afghanistan
Story and photos by Sgt. James Mercure
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE SABIT QADAM, Afghanistan - As full integration of the Infantry Automatic Rifle into the Marine Corps’ arsenal becomes complete, the M249 Light Machine Gun, formerly the Squad Automatic Weapon, slowly fades into the history of the Corps. The SAW has seen action since 1984 and has protected Marines since. Replaced by an automatic rifle of similar size and weight of the M16A4 service rifle already issued to rank and file Marines, the familiarity with the new weapon is almost instant. “The IAR has fewer moving parts than the SAW does making it a lot more ‘grunt friendly,’” said Lance Cpl. Tyler Shaulis, an IAR gunner with 4th Platoon, Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7. “It has a direct piston system, so there are fewer jams. It stays cleaner, longer with less carbon build up after it’s been fired. The muscle memory stays the same with it as it would an M16. If an IAR gunner goes down, any Marine could grab the weapon and lay down accurate suppressive fire without thinking twice.” (Read the STORY)
VIGNETTES
Marine Brothers share quality family time in Afghanistan
Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo
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CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – One Marine never expected his reunion with his brother would take place moments before an operation over Helmand province, Afghanistan. Captain Dustin Kerlin, pilot, Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, recently enjoyed flying with his brother while the two are deployed. Dustin savored the rare moment when his brother, Lt. Col. Matthew Kerlin, deputy commander, Embedded Training Team, 777 Squadron, arrived on Camp Bastion before the operation. Family members do not often deploy together, and Dustin appreciated the opportunity. “Getting to meet up with my brother in Afghanistan was the highlight of my career,” said Dustin. “It was great to get to see him.” The brothers, from Albion, Ind., reunited on the flightline on Camp Bastion. It was a brief meeting before a joint operation with the two units. “I am thankful anytime I get to see a member of the family,” said Matthew. (Read the STORY)
Enid machine gunner makes most of Afghan deployment
Story and photos by Master Sgt. Brenda Varnadore
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NOW ZAD, Afghanistan – After three years at Oklahoma State University, it came time for the Enid, Okla., native, to make a decision on his major. Realizing it would affect the rest of his life, he wanted to be absolutely sure. He took a long, hard look in the mirror and made his decision. He wanted to be a Marine. Now four years into his six-year contract, Cpl. Michael Sheets, machine gun leader, 4th platoon, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, has no regrets. “I got to the point where I had to decide what I wanted to do,” said the 2005 Enid High School graduate. “I wanted to be a Marine, so I signed a six-year contract to be infantry. I thought that was the only way to be a Marine.” His parents, Tom and Cynda Sheets, were initially surprised, but stood by their son. “They are very supportive and proud,” said Sheets. “They send care packages all the time to show their support.” Sheets joined 2nd Bn., 7th Marines, during March 2009 after recruit training and the School of Infantry. He has deployed twice with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, based out of Okinawa, Japan. During his second deployment with the MEU, he went to Australia. His battalion set up the Marine Corps’ new unit deployment program in Australia. Now Sheets is in Afghanistan where he has wanted to be since he enlisted. He said from what he has heard and seen, the Marines have made progress in Now Zad. (Read the STORY)
No ordinary Tetris game, loadmaster supplies servicemembers
Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – More than 20 vehicles of varying shapes and sizes kick up dust and sand as a combat logistics patrol drives through Afghanistan. Corporal Armando Muniz, loadmaster, 4th Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, keeps track of everything the patrol drops off and picks up. He makes sure everything gets where it needs to be. The battalion supplies Marines and other coalition forces throughout Helmand province. Most of the food, drinks, building materials and equipment come from their logistics patrols. “We take everything from point A to point B and sometimes even C,” said Muniz, from New York. A loadmaster’s job ranges from checking to make sure everything is loaded safely and securely, to making sure gear is signed over to the proper person. Muniz also makes sure he knows what the Marines need for future deliveries. “Sometimes Marines don’t always get everything,” said Muniz. “I talk to the Marines. When I’m back, I make sure we load it on the next convoy. If there are other Marines going back to the base, I’ll give it to them.” It is this kind of dedication that developed Muniz’s reputation of being professional and helpful. The Marines at the bases know when the logistics patrol arrives to find Muniz if they need anything. (Read the STORY)
Lifelong mentor serves 37 years in Marine Corps
Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Twenty years is the retirement goal for many young Marines, but one Marine’s time in service nearly doubles the mark. With 37 years in the Marine Corps, the grand old man of Regimental Combat Team 7, Lt. Col. Jeffrey J. Kenney, intended to retire during 2003. But when the war began, he could not say goodbye while other Marines were serving in combat. “I just couldn’t retire during a war,” said Kenney, Afghan security force officer in charge, RCT-7. “I thought I could help with my experience.” Kenney joined the Marine Corps during 1975 with no intention of re-enlisting. After serving with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, he decided to stay in because he enjoyed being a platoon sergeant with his Marines and aspired going to Marine Reconnaissance. “When I joined, I wanted to do four years and get out,” said Kenney, from Hartford, Conn. Four years turned into 37 for Kenney. (Read the STORY)
Marine Corps experience influences future restaurant owner
Story and photos by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SABIT QADAM, Afghanistan – When deciding his job in the Marine Corps, Sgt. Jonathan Colobono decided to go with something that would help him achieve his lifelong goal. “I like cooking for people. I’m a people person,” said Colobono, a food service specialist with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7. “In the long run, I can open up my own restaurant. I figured I should choose a job that I am going to use later.” Born in Palmdale, Calif., Colobono found himself in the Philippines at an early age before heading back to the United States. “I was born in California, but my Mom was just starting her life in America,” said Colobono, 27. “She sent me home to the Philippines, and I was raised by my grandmother. When she passed away in ’94, I came back.” Once back stateside, he led a typical life through high school. (Read the STORY)
Morristown Marine transitions from protecting president to developing Afghans
Story and photos by Master Sgt. Brenda Varnadore
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NOW ZAD, Afghanistan – Joining the Marine Corps was an easy decision for one Morristown, Ind., native, especially with a guaranteed job to protect the president. Corporal Austen Clark, 2nd squad leader, 1st Platoon, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, decided after graduating from Morristown Junior/Senior High School during 2007 that Marine Corps Security Forces was his destiny. “My granddad was in,” said Clark. “He was (communications) though. I didn’t want to go to college, so I joined.” After graduating recruit training and infantry school, Clark headed to Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., while his security clearance went through. Once all necessary investigations were done, it was time for him to head to Camp David to protect former President George W. Bush. “President Bush was a huge mountain biker,” said Clark. “We would always see him out riding. He was hilarious though and always had time to talk and laugh with us.” (Read the STORY)
One simple gesture embodies Marine Corps history, tradition, brotherhood
Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – It is the defining moment during boot camp, and I remember it well. Tired, dirty and sweaty after the Crucible, the final test before recruits earn the title United States Marine, I marched back realizing weeks of training were leading me to this moment. I stood side by side the other recruits in my boot camp platoon in front of the Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial. Our senior drill instructor stood before each of us, shook our right hand and placed a tiny piece of metal in the other. I did not dare turn from him as he placed the emblem in my hand. The iconic symbol of the Marine Corps, the Eagle, Globe and Anchor felt heavy. In actuality, the tiny piece of metal did not weigh much, but the rich history of the Marine Corps combined with being in front of the Marine Corps War Memorial, a memorial dedicated to all the Marines who have fallen for their country, seemed to be embodied in it. With the emblem representing so much more than a piece of metal, I was surprised when I received a package from a complete stranger before I deployed for the first time to Afghanistan, a year after I graduated boot camp. (Read the STORY)
From small Hawaiian island to Afghanistan, Marine experiences new adventures
Story and photos by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE SABIT QADAM, Afghanistan – Hailing from the 50th state in the United States, Wailuku, Hawaii, native, Lance Cpl. Michael J. Bumanglag, left the sunny beaches and surfing for the sands and mountains of Afghanistan. With an ambition for a change of scenery and new adventures, Bumanglag decided to join the Marine Corps. “I just wanted to go out and see the world,” said Bumanglag, 19. “A Marine was just always something I wanted to be since I was little. It looked cool in movies.” While his mind was set on joining the Marine Corps, his parents were not initially supportive of his decision. “My mom wasn’t about it,” said Bumanglag jokingly. “She made a big deal about it. My father said the same thing. He didn’t want me to go in any service.” With his mind made up and his parents slowly supporting his choice, he jumped head first into the military lifestyle. (Read the STORY)
RCT-7’s youngest Marine serves country on first deployment
Story and photos by Cpl. Mark Garcia
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – As a senior in high school, Pfc. Clifford Dietrich made the decision to defend his country. A year and a half later he was on his way to Afghanistan. Dietrich, a data helpdesk clerk with Regimental Combat Team 7, graduated high school during June 2011. Four months later, he was on his way to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. After graduating from recruit training and completing training for his job, Dietrich was stationed at Twentynine Palms, Calif. Two months later he was on his way to Afghanistan. “Originally, I wasn’t expecting to come out to Afghanistan until half way through the deployment, but the date got moved up,” said Dietrich, from Ocala, Fla. “I had only been in the fleet for two months before they sent me out here. But this deployment has gone pretty good. I’ve been able to learn a lot about my job.” Joining the military is not common in the Dietrich family, but he joined the Marine Corps to pave his own path in life. “I’m the first member of my family to join any branch of the military,” Dietrich said. (Read the STORY)
Dedicated father of two serves country on first deployment
Story and photos by Cpl. Mark Garcia
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COMBAT OUTPOST SHIR GHAZAY, Afghanistan – After a troubled past, Lance Cpl. Christopher Souder knew a change had to be made for him and his family. Wanting to serve his country, he joined the Marine Corps in hopes of a better life. Souder, now an armorer with Bravo Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 7, decided to join the Marine Corps to support his first child and his wife. “Before I joined, I had one kid. My wife and I had just gotten engaged and my life wasn’t going the way I wanted it to,” said Souder, from Rockville, Md. “I had gotten in a little bit of trouble, so when I had the chance to enlist, I took the opportunity.” Souder joined the Marine Corps Nov. 1, 2009, to better his life and has no regrets about the decision. He volunteered for his current deployment and hopes to get another deployment before his time is done. “Everything happens for a reason,” Souder said. “I mean it led me here, so although some of the decisions I made weren’t the right ones, I’m glad I was able to learn from them. I begged to come on this deployment. I saw the old commanding officer for Bravo Co., and he was like, ‘Hey, I’ve been hearing your name a lot, you still want to deploy?’ I told him, ‘Hell yeah I want to deploy,’ and here I am.” Souder said he is motivated to deploy again by what his grandfather, a former Marine, told him as a child. (Read the STORY)
VIDEOS
Regional Command Southwest Celebrates Marine Corps' 237th Birthday in Afghanistan
Video by Sgt. John Jackson
Regional Command Southwest Marines and their coalition partners celebrate the Marine Corps' 237 birthday at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.
(Watch the VIDEO)
Afghan Soldiers Swear Oath of Allegiance
Video by Sgt. James Mercure
More than 1,000 Afghan National Army soldiers with the 215th Maiwand Corps swear the Afghan Army’s Oath of Allegiance during a ceremony aboard Camp Shorabak in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Nov. 8. Footage includes Marching, Singing and the swearing of the Oath of Allegiance for the Afghan Army. (Watch the VIDEO)
HMLA-469 provides close air support in Helmand province
Video by Sgt. Keonaona Paulo
U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469 and HMLA-169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), provide close air support over Helmand province, Afghanistan, Nov. 8, 2012. The squadrons provided close air support to members with International Security Assistance Force. (Watch the VIDEO)
Marketed/Republished Combat Correspondent Product
1st Lt. Robert Paradis, talks to a Londonderry Patch reporter about his job as a tanker, being in the only tank company in Afghanistan, why he joined the Marines and communicating with his family
Enid Marines makes most of his Afghan deployment republished in The Enid News and Eagle.
Moreauville native leads Marine unit in Afghanistan republished in The Town Talk
Face of Defense: Marine Loadmaster Supplies Troops in Afghanistan republished on Defense News
Marine tanks, special operators raid northern Helmand republished in Military Times
Moreauville native Captain Matthew Dowden leads Marine special operation in Afghanistan last month republished in Avoyelles Today
Morristown Marine transitions from protecting president to developing Afghans republished on BlackAnthem.com
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