Marine Corps News Room

By Paul Thissen
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 11/30/2011 11:04:09 AM PST
Updated: 11/30/2011 09:24:00 PM PST

DANVILLE -- It was barely two months after he arrived in Afghanistan and just a few weeks before his 20th birthday. Lance Cpl. Joshua "Chachi" Corral died a Marine; it was what he had long dreamed of becoming.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Lance Cpl. Joshua D. Corral, of the 3/7:

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19440733

Posted by sr at 10:27 PM | Permalink

By Frank Abderholden [email protected] November 30, 2011 8:48PM

Two Lindenhurst Marines gave their families some cheer recently when the neighbors met up in a war zone in Afghanistan as one unit replaced another. They posted the pictures on Facebook.

To continue reading:

http://newssun.suntimes.com/news/9119273-418/lindenhurst-marines-link-up-in-afghan-war-zone.html

Posted by sr at 8:40 PM | Permalink

By Andrew Tarantola, Gizmodo.com
November 30, 2011

For years, military live fire exercises have relied on either stationary or pop-out targets but they don’t really simulate enemy movements—they just sit there, waiting to be shot. These targets, newly developed for the U.S. Marine Corps don’t; they move, behave, and react just like real combatants. Well, combatants who ride Segway scooters.

To continue reading:

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/11/marines-dummies-ride-segways/

Posted by sr at 4:30 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Katalynn M. Thomas | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego | Date: 11.30.2011

SAN DIEGO -- Twenty-four Marines from across the Marine Corps competed to become the Corps’ top enlisted musicians. They were measured by their proficiency as Marines, musicians and leaders. Only two, one staff non-commissioned officer and a non-commissioned officer, would come out on top and earn the title of Musician of the Year.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80730/depot-marines-earn-2011-musician-year-title#.TtatW1aAqso

Posted by sr at 4:25 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.30.2011

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The Marines of the “Walking Dead”, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, have brought a new kind of police training program to the citizens of Nawa.

For more on the 1/9:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80691/local-police-train-with-walking-dead#.Ttar_VaAqso

Posted by sr at 4:17 PM | Permalink

The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Nov 30, 2011 14:30:25 EST

SAN DIEGO — Top Afghan army and police officials who will oversee security in one of the country’s hardest-fought provinces in the war are visiting Southern California this week to get a look at how the United States teaches its children, treats its prisoners and patrols its border with Mexico.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/ap-marine-pendleton-show-institutions-to-afghans-113011/

Posted by sr at 4:11 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 11.30.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan - The Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), are currently in the midst of a first-time operation. They are constructing a route between the Nowa and Marjah districts in Helmand province.

For more on the CLB-1:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80769/open-business-clb-1-builds-route-brings-growth-helmand#.Tte-1laAqso

Posted by sr at 11:51 AM | Permalink

By Robert Burns - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Nov 30, 2011 17:33:50 EST

PUZEH, Afghanistan — In this dusty village in southern Afghanistan a small team of elite U.S. Marines is nudging Afghans toward rejection of the Taliban insurgency, a mission that is emerging as central to the U.S. and NATO exit strategy but is little known beyond the rugged brown hills of the upper Helmand River Valley.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/ap-marine-afghanistan-elite-units-crucial-to-exit-113011/

Posted by sr at 11:35 AM | Permalink

POSTED: 9:25 pm CST November 30, 2011

OMAHA, Neb. -- Months after a roadside bomb blew up his vehicle, a Fremont Marine has returned home, thankful to be alive.

To continue reading:

http://www.ketv.com/r/29893822/detail.html

Posted by sr at 11:09 AM | Permalink

By RENÉE C. LEE, HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Published 07:21 p.m., Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A mutt rescued this summer in Afghanistan by a Houston-based Marine reserve platoon won't be reunited with his adoptive family as planned.

To continue reading:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Pup-adopted-by-Marines-in-Afghanistan-dies-2308753.php

Posted by sr at 5:00 PM | Permalink

By DEB RIECHMANN and SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press
Nov 29, 6:20 AM EST

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Drawdown plans announced by the U.S. and more than a dozen other nations will shrink the foreign military footprint in Afghanistan by 40,000 troops at the close of next year, leaving Afghan forces increasingly on the frontlines of the decade-long war.

To continue reading:

http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/A/AS_AFGHAN_TROOPS_LEAVING?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION;=HOME&TEMPLATE;=DEFAULT&CTIME;=2011-11-29-02-38-01

Posted by sr at 7:30 AM | Permalink

By John Vandiver and Martin Kuz
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 28, 2011

STUTTGART, Germany — If Pakistan opts to keep the border crossings into Afghanistan closed to NATO resupply convoys for an extended period following an air attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers, the U.S. military and its allies may have to rely more heavily on the Northern Distribution Network, a key gateway for military equipment.

To continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/news/military-looks-at-supply-routes-away-from-pakistan-1.161855

Posted by sr at 9:35 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Erica Disalvo | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | Date: 11.28.2011

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRIMAR, Calif. -- Random police patrols have increased on East Miramar aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar due to encroachment by the public and acts of vandalism to historic sites located in the area.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80625/encroachment-causes-safety-risks-east-miramar#.TtQR8FaAqso

Posted by sr at 4:58 PM | Permalink

Published: Monday, November 28, 2011, 7:37 PM
By Ray Whitehouse, The Oregonian

A 21-year-old Marine from Salem has died while fighting in Afghanistan.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Cpl. Adam J. Buyes , of the 3rd Recon:

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2011/11/salem_marine_cpl_adam_buyes_di_1.html

Posted by sr at 4:41 PM | Permalink

By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Nov 28, 2011 8:11:35 EST

The Marine Corps is on the hunt for improved ear plugs that will save Marines’ hearing down range while helping them maintain situational awareness, and those currently fielded by the Army could get a serious look.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/marine-earpro-hearing-loss-protection-112811/

Posted by sr at 10:08 AM | Permalink

By Seth Robson
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 27, 2011

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — U.S. Marines should feel right at home in northern Australia when they start regular training there in the near future.

To continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/news/australia-offers-strong-training-opportunities-vibrant-off-duty-options-for-visiting-marines-1.161787

Posted by sr at 8:00 PM | Permalink

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Nov 27, 2011 9:43:32 EST

The Corps has launched a new effort to find a wearable power system that provides energy to radios and other electronics that Marines carry with them in the field.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/marine-corps-seeks-wearable-system-to-power-equipment-112711/

Posted by sr at 10:12 AM | Permalink

Story by Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.26.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST ALCATRAZ, Helmand province, Afghanistan - The Upper Sangin Valley has been a hot bed of insurgent activity in the Sangin District with constant threats of improvised explosive devices and fire fights against Afghan National Army members and coalition forces. For the past five months, the Marines of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion have been working hard to secure the tiny villages north of Sangin as well as secure their portion of Route 611, a north-south highway running parallel to the Helmand River, and a major transportation route used for commerce in the area.

For more on the 3rd Recon:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80566/survival#.TtEbPVaAqso

Posted by sr at 11:00 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Katherine Keleher | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.26.2011

PATROL BASE BOLDAK, Afghanistan – In the barren desert of Helmand province, Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, thought their Thanksgiving was going to be just another day. It was not.

For more on the 1/25:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80565/new-englands-own-delivers-thanksgiving-dinner-patrol-base-boldak#.TtEZwVaAqso

Posted by sr at 10:53 AM | Permalink

By Robert Burns - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Nov 26, 2011 9:55:07 EST

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — U.S. Marines will march out of Afghanistan by the thousands next year, winding down combat in the Taliban heartland and testing the U.S. view that Afghan forces are capable of leading the fight against a battered but not yet beaten insurgency in the country’s southwestern reaches, senior U.S. military officers say.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/ap-marines-to-wind-down-afghan-combat-in-2012-112611/

Posted by sr at 10:17 AM | Permalink

Tony Perry at Camp Pendleton
November 25, 2011

When Marine Major-Gen. Charles “Mark” Gurganus returned to Camp Pendleton recently after an absence of several years, he had an immediate impression of the sprawling base.

To continue reading:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/11/camp-pendleton-changed-10-years-war.html

Posted by sr at 5:39 PM | Permalink

By Seth Robbins
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 25, 2011

LANDSTUHL, Germany — During a firefight in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province in 2002, U.S. Army Maj. Kevin Kit Parker stood atop a hill awaiting a Medevac flight for an injured soldier when a bomb exploded several miles away.

To continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/news/groundbreaking-research-looks-at-how-blasts-injure-brain-1.161678

Posted by sr at 5:20 PM | Permalink

By Laura Phelps - Medill News Service
Posted : Friday Nov 25, 2011 8:45:29 EST

Developed by a Marine on the battlefields of Afghanistan, RuckPack is a caffeine-free energy drink designed to give troops an extra kick during long, isolated missions.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/marine-energy-drink-marsoc-112511/

Posted by sr at 5:14 PM | Permalink

Written by
DAVID CASTELLON
9:00 PM, Nov. 25, 2011

A Marine from Exeter has been awarded the Bronze Star — the military's fourth-highest award for bravery -†for disarming nine roadside bombs in five hours in Afghanistan.

To continue reading:

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20111126/NEWS01/111260314

Posted by sr at 11:03 AM | Permalink

By DAVID WHITING
COLUMNIST
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
[email protected]
Published: Nov. 24, 2011 Updated: Nov. 25, 2011 2:49 p.m.

To be sure, Thanksgiving's about family. It just depends on how we define family.

To continue reading:

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/marines-328638-family-marine.html

Posted by sr at 11:07 PM | Permalink

By ROBERT BURNS
The Associated Press
Thursday, November 24, 2011

COMBAT OUTPOST HANSON, Afghanistan — A turkey trot it was not.

To continue reading:

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/top-marine-spends-thanksgiving-1240023.html

Posted by sr at 10:42 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Ryan Carpenter | 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 11.24.2011

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – In seconds, water filled a sinking hull with four Marines strapped inside. To escape, the men recalled the day’s training, which covered life vests and underwater breathing devices.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80540/eleventh-marine-expeditionary-unit-first-train-dunked-simulator#.Ts-s-laAqso

Posted by sr at 9:57 PM | Permalink

Peter Fimrite, Chronicle Staff Writer
Thursday, November 24, 2011

Ward Van Alstine is a tough U.S. Marine who, after a somewhat troubled life growing up in Santa Rosa, developed a sense of purpose amid the gunfire, bone-rattling explosions and death in Afghanistan.

To continue reading:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/11/24/MN401M0JGJ.DTL

Posted by sr at 9:48 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 11.24.2011

PACIFIC OCEAN – Sailors and Marines of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group celebrated Thanksgiving Day aboard three ships Nov. 24 – some spending their first holiday away from home.

For more on the 11th MEU:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80545/unit-celebrates-thanksgiving-day-sea#.Ts-uhlaAqso

Posted by sr at 9:04 PM | Permalink

Posted: Nov 24, 2011 6:58 PM CST
Jamie Oberg, News 9

OKARCHE, Oklahoma -- "I love you all very much and I'm sorry I couldn't be there. I'm here with my Marines and you know that and the only other place I'd rather be is with y'all."

To continue reading:

http://www.newson6.com/story/16119011/soldier-visits-family-for-thanksgiving-from-afghanistan

Posted by sr at 5:44 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.24.2011

MUSA QAL’EH DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – For many, faith provides a foundation of core values and an inner strength required to accomplish any mission and weather any hardship. It is a difficult word to define, however, as it means many things to different people.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80532/faith-front-lines-service-members-find-strength-afghanistan#.Ts56E1aAqso

Posted by sr at 11:07 AM | Permalink

By Susanne M. Schafer - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Nov 24, 2011 11:53:49 EST

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — Marine Corps supporters near Camp Lejeune are launching a national effort to build a $12 million museum documenting the service’s history in North and South Carolina.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/ap-mc-corps-museum-carolinas-112411/

Posted by sr at 10:28 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.23.2011

Editor’s note: This is the final installment in a four-part series chronicling a trek across Nawa district called the Nawa Victory Walk, a four-day, 30-mile patrol by U.S. Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers.

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Sailors and Marines with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, slipped from the relative warmth of their sleeping bags, braving the morning chill, and began to prepare for the day. The final day of the Nawa Victory Walk was upon them, and the Marines were excited to finish the four-day, 30-mile patrol. The trek brought together Mercer Island, Wash., native Lt. Col. Tyler Zagurski, the battalion commander, and Afghan Lt. Col. Gul Ahmad, the kandak commander of 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps, in a patrol across the district to promote confidence in Afghan security forces and talk to residents.

For more on the 1/9:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80496/victory-nawa-final-chapter#.Ts2GBlaAqso

Posted by sr at 5:45 PM | Permalink

11/23/2011 By Cpl. Andrew D. Johnston , 2nd Marine Division

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — The Town Hall was packed and the crowd was full of old time war vets who proudly served their country. One by one, honorees approached the city council where they were recognized for their outstanding work in the community—one of them stood out.

To continue reading:

http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndmardiv/Pages/CampLejeuneMarinereceivestheOutstandingVeteranAwardforexemplaryservicetothecommunity.aspx

Posted by sr at 5:38 PM | Permalink

By BRITTANY SHAMMAS
Posted November 23, 2011

About 40 people gathered Wednesday night to pray and show support for a local Marine and Gulf Coast High School graduate who lost his leg after stepping on an improvised explosive device last week in Afghanistan.

To continue reading:

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/nov/23/friends-strangers-turn-out-to-support-local-who/

Posted by sr at 5:33 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. John Robbart III | 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 11.22.2011
Date Posted:11.23.2011 15:34

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Marines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit will be eating well this Thanksgiving thanks to a generous donation from Operation Homefront, Nov. 22.

For more on the 15th MEU:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80513/free-thanksgiving-meals-donated-meu-marines#.Ts2Hf1aAqso

Posted by sr at 5:33 PM | Permalink

Posted: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 12:00 am |
By: Amelia Wigton, associate editor [email protected]

Green bean casserole and croissants with brie cheese melted inside—those are the two foods that Lance Cpl. Nathan Miller is going to miss the most this Thanksgiving.

To continue reading:

http://ccheadliner.com/news/nixa-marine-spending-holidays-in-afghanistan/article_88faafae-1535-11e1-928c-001cc4c002e0.html

Posted by sr at 5:26 PM | Permalink

By: Dave Olson, INFORUM
Published November 23, 2011

MOORHEAD – Mary and Don Kramvik of Moorhead have many reasons to be thankful.

To continue reading:

http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/341684/group/Life/

Posted by sr at 5:25 PM | Permalink

By Megan McCloskey
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 23, 2011

WASHINGTON — A new report on civilian ties to the military puts numbers to what top military leaders have been a lamenting for years: The American public is largely disconnected from its fighting force.

To continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/news/report-shows-a-military-and-a-nation-disconnected-1.161473

Posted by sr at 10:23 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. James Clark | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.23.2011

KAJAKI SOFLA, Helmand Province, Afghanistan - The walls are thick with furtively scratched lines and the roads exist only as hollowed lanes. Distinctive villagers earn a place on the landscape with detailed memories. Each patrol is inspiration and recorded in vast detail.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80470/coming-age-through-war-lance-cpl-damien-mathis#.Ts0cj1aAqso

Posted by sr at 9:36 AM | Permalink

Julia Prodis Sulek
[email protected]
Posted: 11/22/2011 03:58:46 PM PST

Marine Cpl. Daniel Franke will be coming home this Thanksgiving, wheeling across the concourse at the San Jose airport after a long and painful journey.

To continue reading:

http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_19393243

Posted by sr at 5:32 PM | Permalink

Reported by: Justin Lewis
Email: [email protected]
Last Update: 11/22 10:29 pm

TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- Amory native Josh Roye has been serving in Afghanistan since February as his fourth deployment with the U.S. Marines.

To continue reading:

http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Marine-surprises-family-with-return-home/MfEs5eCKt06vo0GAVIQgmg.cspx

Posted by sr at 5:17 PM | Permalink

Photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.22.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — In the furthest reaches of Garmsir district, nearly 70 kilometers from the district center, a mixture of local elders and farmers sat quietly around a collection of ornately woven Afghan rugs, awaiting discussion with their district governor and Marine leaders.

For more on the 3/3:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80555/bringing-governance-ungoverned-places-district-governor-marine-leaders-interact-with-citizens-southern-garmsir#.TtAeU1aAqso

Posted by sr at 5:01 PM | Permalink

Staff report | Posted: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 3:00 pm

PRESTON, Iowa — Those who knew Cpl. Zach Reiff remembered him Tuesday as a young man who loved his family and was proud to serve his country.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff, of the 3/7:

http://qctimes.com/news/local/marine-from-preston-dies-from-injuries-in-afghanistan/article_122f3d1a-152e-11e1-9182-001cc4c002e0.html?oCampaign=hottopics

Posted by sr at 4:53 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Brian Adam Jones | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 11.22.2011

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Just days into their second deployment to Afghanistan in two years, the Marines of Marine Electronic Warfare Squadron 1, an EA-6B Prowler squadron deployed from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., learned they received the Pentagon’s top maintenance award for their efforts in 2010.

For more on the Marine Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 (VMAQ-1):

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80410/marine-squadron-afghanistan-wins-pentagons-top-maintenance-award#.TswPqFaAqso

Posted by sr at 3:09 PM | Permalink

11/22/2011 By Lance Cpl. Scott L. Tomaszycki , Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. — Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 Marines returned to MCAS Cherry Point from Afghanistan Nov. 16 bringing a close to the historic first Marine deployment of the EA-6B Increased Capability III aircraft.

For more on the VMAQ-4:

http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcascherrypoint/Pages/VMAQ-4returnshomeICAPIIIprovescriticaltofightinAfghanistan.aspx

Posted by sr at 3:01 PM | Permalink

By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Nov 22, 2011 5:28:14 EST

Marines in Twentynine Palms, Calif., will soon get the chance to train with a new shooting simulator as part of a conditioning program that combines marksmanship with high-endurance exercise.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/marine-new-simulator-combines-exercise-shooting-112211/

Posted by sr at 7:33 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Francisco Abundes | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 11.21.2011

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Most recruits in training probably wish they had a familiar face beside them to make it easier, but for twin brothers graduating today, it was different.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80395/two-brothers-one-goal#.TswSClaAqso

Posted by sr at 3:18 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.21.2011

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — When Cpl. Axel Benitez joined the Marine Corps more than three years ago, he never thought his younger brother would follow in his footsteps.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80313/marine-brothers-meet-afghanistan#.Tsp7Z1aAqso

Posted by sr at 10:23 AM | Permalink

Story by Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.19.2011
Date Posted:11.20.2011 13:27

SANGIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan - Since the early days of their deployment to the Upper Sangin Valley of Afghanistan, the Marines of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion have been relentless in their pursuit of insurgents, often fighting a battle not traditionally suited for their expertise.

For more on the 3rd Recon:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80299/recon-coin-ops-create-change-upper-sangin-valley#.Tsp9BlaAqso

Posted by sr at 9:32 PM | Permalink

By Megan McCloskey
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 20, 2011

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — The breaking point came when Sandra Rivera found their 9-year-old son backed against a wall with his arms over his face, shielding himself from her husband’s screaming.

To continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/war-torn-marriage-family-shattered-by-tbi-ptsd-picks-up-pieces-1.161273

Posted by sr at 9:18 PM | Permalink

By Robert Samuels, Published: November 20

Editor’s note: Were you in suspense after reading Saturday night’s article about Lance Cpl. Matthew Rodgers on PostLocal.com? Here’s the rest of the story.

The proclamation was in the mayor’s hands. The marching band, all warmed up. The firetruck and police cars stood on call. And Pinky and Pepe Rodgers were in their beer and wine store in the Kentlands shopping complex, wondering why their store was suddenly so crowded.

To continue reading:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/for-gaithersburg-marine-a-surprise-homecoming/2011/11/19/gIQAlcwKfN_story.html

Posted by sr at 9:11 PM | Permalink

By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Nov 20, 2011 9:49:10 EST

Fresher blood, sharper training and more rehab in theater have meant higher survival rates for wounded Marines and allowed thousands more to stay with their units longer after suffering an injury downrange.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/marine-warzone-medical-advancements-112011/

Posted by sr at 10:52 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 11.20.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - The Marines with the Postal Detachment, Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) are accustomed to moving upward of 10,000 pounds of mail per day, but with the holiday season approaching, that amount will nearly double.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80288/operation-north-pole-ramps-up-holiday-mail-rush#.TskuU1aAqso

Posted by sr at 10:44 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder
Date Posted:11.20.2011 02:27

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Following the completion of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment’s successful seven-month deployment here, Lt. Col. Matthew J. Palma, 3/3 commanding officer, accepted responsibility of the district from Lt. Col. Sean Riordan, 1st Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment commanding officer, during a relief in place and transfer of authority ceremony here, Nov. 17.

For more on the 3/3:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80284/transition-garmsir-americas-battalion-replaces-lava-dogs-southern-helmand#.TskrpVaAqso

Posted by sr at 10:29 AM | Permalink

11/20/2011 By Lance Cpl. Daniel A. Wetzel , Headquarters Marine Corps

ARLINGTON, Va. — With the current budget crisis, all branches of the military are looking for ways to cut spending. The downsizing of service members from Afghanistan in the near future have some people concerned about future troop placement.

To continue reading:

http://www.marines.mil/unit/hqmc/Pages/CorpslookstoPacificdrawdowninafghanistan.aspx

Posted by sr at 10:24 AM | Permalink

Sunday, November 20, 2011
John Garcia

November 20, 2011 (MANHATTAN, Ill.) (WLS) -- A suburban Marine injured in Afghanistan was welcomed home to an early Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday.

To continue reading:

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id;=8439200

Posted by sr at 9:27 AM | Permalink

Published: Saturday, November 19, 2011, 4:47 PM

Navy medic from Staten Island honored for his heroics

To continue reading:

http://www.silive.com/northshore/index.ssf/2011/11/navy_medic_from_staten_island.html

Posted by sr at 11:03 AM | Permalink

4:40 PM, Nov. 19, 2011

Don't be surprised if you see tears of joy streaming down Leslie Blanford's face or hear squeals of laughter on Sullivan Street in East Elmira this week.

To continue reading:

http://www.stargazette.com/article/20111119/LIFE12/111190333/Neighbors-Family-eager-welcome-home-their-Marine?odyssey=nav|head

Posted by sr at 10:15 AM | Permalink

By Robert Samuels, Published: November 19

Everybody knows that airline flights are sometimes delayed, but Saturday night’s delay seemed a little bit more difficult to bear.

To continue reading:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/so-much-for-surprises/2011/11/19/gIQA3mVIdN_story.html

Posted by sr at 10:05 AM | Permalink

By Rick Hurd
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 11/19/2011 04:57:37 PM PST
Updated: 11/19/2011 09:01:02 PM PST

When Joshua Corral dedicated his life to serving his country, he took many friends with him.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Lance Cpl. Joshua D. Corral, of the 3/7:

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19374634

Posted by sr at 7:38 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.18.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — When 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, nick-named the Lava Dogs, arrived here mid-April, expectations were of a deployment filled with improvised explosive devices and sporadic firefights.

For more on the 1/3:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80225/marines-ready-garmsir-transition-authority#.Tsf6DFaAqso

Posted by sr at 10:43 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Erik Brooks | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installation Pacific | Date: 11.18.2011

CAMP FUJI, Japan - Immediately upon their arrival, wires spread out and antennas sprout from the ground like spring grass. These Marines set up critical communications assets to allow an artillery battalion to communicate.

For more on the 3/12:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80206/communication-marines-facilitate-3-12s-command-and-control#.Tsf78FaAqso

Posted by sr at 9:52 PM | Permalink

11/18/2011 By Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoe , Marine Corps Bases Japan
KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, Japan — Marines and sailors with 9th Engineer Support Battalion boarded aircraft here Nov. 12 and departed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, signaling the start of a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

To continue reading:

http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcbjapan/Pages/2011/111118-esb.aspx

Posted by sr at 9:39 AM | Permalink

11/18/2011 By Cpl. Walter D. Marino II , 2nd Marine Division

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Recently a mother momentarily lost her two-year-old daughter aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Thanks to Marines with Military Working Dog Platoon, Military Police Support Company, 2nd Marine Headquarters Group, the child was quickly found.

To continue reading:

http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndmardiv/Pages/MPSupportcompanyMarinefindsmissingchildaboardCampLejeune.aspx

Posted by sr at 9:04 AM | Permalink

Greg Caron was seriously injured in Afghanistan and the whole town is now coming together to support him and his family.

By Erin Quinlan
Nov. 17.2011

When people in Ellington heard that Marine Greg Caron had been injured in Afghanistan, they rallied.

To continue reading:

http://tolland.patch.com/articles/ellington-comes-together-for-injured-marine-877db773

Posted by sr at 10:24 PM | Permalink

By Lane Lambert
The Patriot Ledger
Posted Nov 17, 2011 @ 02:17 AM
Last update Nov 17, 2011 @ 05:14 AM

Late on a weekday afternoon, the Marine Corps recruiting office in Quincy was full and busy. The Marine office has shared a floor with Army, Navy and Air Force recruiters for years, but in October it became a full-fledged station, after being a satellite of the Brockton office. That change is evidence that the Marines and other military services continue to draw more recruits than they can sign.

To continue reading:

http://www.patriotledger.com/archive/x1821247257/VIDEO-Visit-to-Marine-Corps-recruiting-office-in-Quincy-shows-call-to-duty-still-strong

Photos that accompany article:
http://www.patriotledger.com/photos/x1655829806/Marine-office-in-Quincy-shows-call-to-duty-still-strong?page=0

Posted by sr at 10:05 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.13.2011
Date Posted:11.17.2011 11:57

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Spread out within a maze of concertina wire and concrete barriers at Garmsir’s district center, Afghan National Police members partnered with Marines from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment to provide security for the funeral of District Chief of Police Lt. Col. Sayfullah Khan Rashidi here, Nov. 13.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80181/garmsir-citizens-marines-honor-fallen-police-chief#.TsWTQlaAqsp

Posted by sr at 4:53 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Katherine Keleher | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.17.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province – A surge of over 40 Marines with the Female Engagement Team came to Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Nov. 11-15, where they were able to kick up their boots and talk about their experiences in Afghanistan since they began their deployment.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80160/new-girls-town-fet-resets#.TsUsb1aAqso

Posted by sr at 9:46 AM | Permalink

By taniameireles2
– November 17, 2011

The Department of Defense (DoD) recently published the 2011 DoD Compensation and Benefits Handbook, a comprehensive resource guide describing compensation and other benefits Service members and their families would be entitled to upon separation or retirement as a result of serious injury or illness.

To continue reading:

http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/2011/11/17/dod-releases-updated-compensation-and-benefits-handbook-to-assist-wounded-ill-and-injured-service-members-and-their-families/

Posted by sr at 9:28 AM | Permalink

Story by Ruth Castillo, Reporter

MCAS Yuma, Arizona November 16, 2011 - Family and friends gathered at the VMA-513 hangar bay Wednesday night waited with eager anticipation for their Marines after being apart for half a year.

To continue reading:

http://www.kswt.com/story/16058454/yuma-based-marines-return-from-afghanistan

Posted by sr at 10:33 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.16.2011

Editor’s note: This is the third installment in a four-part series chronicling a trek across Nawa district called the Nawa Victory Walk, a four-day, 30-mile patrol by U.S. Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers.

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The third day of the Nawa Victory Walk began early. Marines with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, woke as the sun rose, then filled up on energy bars for breakfast. They checked their equipment, refilled water containers, met up with their Afghan National Army counterparts, and headed for the front gate.

For more on the 1/9:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80111/victory-nawa-voice-progress#.TsPywlaAqso

Posted by sr at 11:28 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.16.2011

MARJAH DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Combat engineers with Alpha Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1 and local workers improved road conditions by repairing a key bridge here, Nov. 12.

For more on the CLB-1:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80097/clb-1-engineers-locals-improve-critical-intersection-marjah#.TsPxZVaAqso

Posted by sr at 11:22 AM | Permalink

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2011 – President Barack Obama joined Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard today to announce expanded military-to-military relationships between the two countries as they commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Australia-New Zealand-U.S. alliance.

To continue reading:

http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=66098

Posted by sr at 11:14 AM | Permalink

11/16/2011 By Cpl. Justin M. Boling , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — Coalition troops at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, now have better communications thanks to the nonstop efforts of a small detachment of Marines.

For more on the MWCS-28:

http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcascherrypoint/Pages/Marinesupgrade111116.aspx

Posted by sr at 11:09 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Michelle Mattei | Camp Pendleton Public Affairs | Date: 11.15.2011

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- More than 27,000 attendees gathered at Camp Pendleton’s Paige Fieldhouse to attend Time McGraw’s Tour for the Troops free concert, Nov. 13.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80080/tim-mcgraw-draws-thousands-pendleton#.TsLl01aAqso

Posted by sr at 4:20 PM | Permalink

Photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.15.2011

Headquarters and Service Company Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, patrol. They interacted with children and spoke with local leaders. “America’s Battalion” recently arrived in Garmsir. They’ll partner with the Afghan National Security Forces to establish a secure environment and develop district government to better meet the needs of the Afghan people.

To view photos:

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/487759/friendly-faces-3-3-marines-interact-with-garmsir-children#.TsM3oFaAqso

Posted by sr at 12:05 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.15.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Since 2006, coalition forces have fought to bring security and stability to the once insurgent-heavy Garmsir district. Five years later, coalition forces are near transitioning control of the district to the local government.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/80053/lest-we-forget-remembrance-service-honors-garmsir-fallen#.TsJuZVaAqso

Posted by sr at 7:40 AM | Permalink

Dean Crutchfield, Contributor
CMO Network | 11/14/2011 @ 4:07PM

The United States Marines Corps this month celebrates 236 years of inviolable service to us, the American people.

To continue reading:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/deancrutchfield/2011/11/14/happy-birthday-to-americas-most-enduring-brand-the-marines/

Posted by sr at 4:13 PM | Permalink

11/14/2011 By Cpl. Brian Adam Jones , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan —

Under the veil of darkness, a team of Marine Corps CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters sped over the Helmand River valley in early October.

To continue reading:

http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcascherrypoint/Pages/EASTERNSTORMWING111114.aspx

Posted by sr at 9:05 AM | Permalink

On a deployment to Afghanistan, Jerry Thorton has been planning his surprise homecoming for five months

By Mola Lenghi
| Sunday, Nov 13, 2011

For Master Gunnery Sargent Jerry Thorton of the U.S. Marine Corps, coming home has been a covert operation.

To continue reading:

http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/US-Marine-Surprises-Family-with-Return-133759228.html

Posted by sr at 11:07 PM | Permalink

By Susan Keating
Update Sunday November 13, 2011 09:00 PM EST Originally posted Sunday November 13, 2011 01:10 PM EST

This summer, Justin Timberlake accepted a servicewoman's invitation to attend the Instructor Battalion Marine Corps Ball, and Saturday he made good on that promise.

To continue reading:

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20545076,00.html

Posted by sr at 9:25 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 11.13.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Nine years in the Marine Corps, four deployments and less than four weeks until he steps foot on American soil once again, Staff Sgt. Davison Slivers has spent a collective two-and-a-half years defending his country in both Iraq and Afghanistan. A Marine with that sort of experience has a lot to offer to those he leads, evident by the profound respect his Marines express for him.

For more on the 7th ESB:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79979/making-difference-pushes-one-arizona-marine-excel-fourth-deployment#.Tr_nw1aAqso

Posted by sr at 9:52 AM | Permalink

Lt. Col. William Vivian, commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines from Camp Pendleton, says the unit ‘adopted’ by San Clemente is making progress against the Taliban

Published: Nov. 12, 2011
By FRED SWEGLES / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

The Camp Pendleton Marine Corps unit that San Clemente "adopted" in 1996 through the America Supporting Americans program says it is making strides toward restoring security and normality to towns in Afghanistan.

For more on the 2/4:

http://www.ocregister.com/news/marines-326679-village-marine.html

Posted by sr at 5:08 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 11.12.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - As Operation Tofan Sharq (Eastern Storm) continues in the upper Sangin Valley of Helmand province, Afghanistan, Marines and sailors with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), conducted multiple route repairs throughout early November.

For more on the 7th ESB:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79916/7th-esb-brings-commerce-growth-helmand-province-while-supporting-operation-eastern-storm#.Tr6UuVaAqso

Posted by sr at 9:44 AM | Permalink

By Michael Hoffman - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Nov 12, 2011 9:03:34 EST

The Sand Flea looks like a laptop with four wheels. But it can leap up to 24 feet high, landing on its wheels every time.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/marine-sand-flea-robot-heading-to-afghanistan-111211w/

Posted by sr at 9:20 AM | Permalink

Two from Camp Pendleton battalion honored with Silver Star

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
6:25 p.m., Nov. 11, 2011

The reconnaissance patrol of special operations Marines and Afghan soldiers was moving through central Farah province when the enemy attacked. Sgt. Charles Cartwright, a 26-year-old assistant element leader, jumped out of his vehicle amid the barrage of enemy mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons fire.

To continue reading:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/nov/11/dozen-marine-special-operators-earn-medals/

Posted by sr at 11:57 PM | Permalink

November 11, 2011

To honor the memory of four Marine comrades killed in Iraq and to show respect for all military personnel sent to foreign lands, a small but determined group trudged up a steep hill at Camp Pendleton on Friday morning as the nation observed Veterans Day.

To continue reading:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/11/marines-cross-camp-pendleton.html

Posted by sr at 11:24 PM | Permalink

By Raymond Castile > [email protected] | Posted: Friday, November 11, 2011

Phillip Vinnedge's dream of becoming a Marine began when he was 10 years old, watching the World Trade Center collapse on television.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Lance Cpl. Phillip Vinnedge, of the 3/5:

http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/stcharles/news/school-honors-st-charles-county-marine-killed-in-afghanistan/article_1909dc1f-5ef0-5a4e-93ff-12f298e44bbf.html

Posted by sr at 11:15 PM | Permalink

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Nov 11, 2011 16:27:06 EST

Crocodile Dundee, move over — there’s a new tough guy reportedly moving in Down Under. The U.S. will base 500 to 1,000 Marines in Australia as part of an expanded partnership between the two countries, according to media reports.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/marine-report-says-marines-based-australia-111111w/

Posted by sr at 11:10 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Meredith Brown | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.11.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan - It is Saturday night. The moon is visible through the sandy haze. The sounds of Guitar Hero are heard outside a small tent. A group of Marines are gathered inside rocking out to the various bands. Lt. Bryan Davenport, the chaplain for 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), watches the Marines give their best shot before piping up from the back row and asking to get the next turn.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79917/poulsbo-wash-native-answers-call-chaplain#.Tr6WUlaAqso

Posted by sr at 10:51 PM | Permalink

Rene Lynch
November 11, 2011

Veterans Day is one of 10 federally recognized holidays. But if you stopped the proverbial man on the street and asked him to name all the federal holidays, it's likely he'd tick off Christmas and New Year's and the Fourth of July and a few others before he got around to Veterans Day.

To continue reading:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/11/veterans-day-today-we-honor-all-who-serve.html

Posted by sr at 5:19 PM | Permalink

Written by
Kym Klass
6:01 AM, Nov. 11, 2011

Veterans Day for Berry and Heidi Cantrell means more than just a long weekend.

To continue reading:

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20111111/NEWS01/111110334/For-local-family-Marine-Veterans-Day-more-than-day-off-?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|s

Posted by sr at 5:14 PM | Permalink

By Deborah Donovan
Article updated: 11/11/2011

Katie Stack will always be part of the U.S. Marines, even though the young widow and all of Lance Cpl. James Bray Stack's family know better than anyone the terrible price membership in this fraternity can extract.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Lance Cpl. James Bray Stack, of the 3/5:

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20111111/news/711119916/

Posted by sr at 4:51 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.03.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — Afghan National Security Forces and Marines from 1st and 3rd Battalions, 3rd Marine Regiment are putting the lock down on roads in Garmsir during operation gridlock here, Nov. 1 and 5.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79478/lock-down-afghan-national-security-forces-marines-interdict-insurgent-movement#.Tr2IulaAqso

Posted by sr at 2:45 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Meredith Brown | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.11.2011

CAMP BASTION, Helmand province, Afghanistan – At the 11th hour on Nov. 11, 1918, the armistice was signed between the allied forces and Germany to end World War I. Today, the 11th of November serves as a national holiday in many of the allied countries throughout the world.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79900/marines-join-uk-partners-remembrance-day-ceremony#.Tr2D81aAqso

Posted by sr at 2:18 PM | Permalink

By Laurie (LC) Lewis, For the Deseret News
Published: Friday, Nov. 11, 2011

A marvelous glimpse of U.S. Marine Corps life occurs each September on the Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. A massive Marine expo titled "Modern-Day Marines" showcases the incredible technology and firepower today's soldiers employ on the battlefront.

To continue reading:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705394110/Reader-Voices-Retired-Marines-carry-spirit-of-service.html

Posted by sr at 2:13 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Marcin Platek | Marine Forces Reserve | Date: 11.10.2011

NEW ORLEANS – As Halloween decorations come down, some stores start preparing for Christmas early. From sales to giveaways, Christmas fever is spreading. For the Marines it means something else: there are toys to be collected.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79874/toys-tots-launches-holiday-season-approaches#.Tr2FUFaAqso

Posted by sr at 11:27 PM | Permalink

By Ruben Rosario
Updated: 11/10/2011

Joshua Hanson misses a lot of things. They include "friends, girls, family."

To continue reading:

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_19311756

Posted by sr at 5:07 PM | Permalink

By NICK VLAHOS
OF THE JOURNAL STAR
Posted Nov 10, 2011 @ 08:25 PM
Last update Nov 11, 2011 @ 08:48 AM

PEORIA —
Happy birthday, U.S. Marine Corps.

To continue reading:

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1222191939/Marine-injured-in-Afghanistan-receives-heros-welcome

Posted by sr at 4:59 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.10.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — For the second year in a row, “America’s Battalion” celebrated the Marine Corps birthday in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

For more on the 3/3:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79903/americas-battalion-celebrates-236th-marine-corps-birthday-afghanistan#.Tr_mW1aAqsp

Posted by sr at 9:45 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.10.2011

PATROL BASE WHITE HOUSE, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Nestled in the rolling mountains of Afghanistan near the Helmand River are the fighting warriors of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. They battle the threat of a waning insurgent force and bring peace to the local residents of Afghanistan one patrol, convoy, and firefight at a time.

For more on the 1/6 PSD:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79830/providing-personal-security-perilous-places#.Trvs-laAqso

Posted by sr at 9:25 AM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein | 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 11.10.2011

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — “Landing in a hostile country, moving into an (enemy’s) backyard, punching them in the face, taking something from them, and then turning around and leaving back on the ship.”

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79843/marines-smash-grab-motorized-raid-course#.Trvr_VaAqso

Posted by sr at 9:20 AM | Permalink

12:21 AM, Nov. 10, 2011
Written by
Lt. Gen. John G. Castellaw, USMC (Retired)

Last March, U.S. Marines returned to the “shores of Tripoli” for the first time since fighting the Barbary pirates in 1805.

To continue reading:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20111110/OPINION03/311100021/At-age-236-Marines-still-our-most-capable-force

Posted by sr at 9:14 AM | Permalink

11/10/2011 By Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado , 2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — As the sun rose Nov. 8 on what Marines have come to know as “PT Road”, there was thousands of Marines running in formation and chanting cadence in the brisk morning air.

To continue reading:

http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndmlg/Pages/2ndMLGBirthdayRun.aspx

Posted by sr at 9:11 AM | Permalink

11/10/2011 By Cpl. Brian Adam Jones , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan —

Over the course of a single day, Marines deployed with Marine Air Support Squadron 1 ran a combined 144 miles in Afghanistan, Nov. 9.

For more on MASS-1:

http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcascherrypoint/Pages/CHIEFTAIN111110.aspx

Posted by sr at 8:57 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.10.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Around this time of the year, most Marines are shining their shoes, taking their ‘Blues’ to the cleaners and making sure they have their ticket and date to the ball.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79890/rct-5-command-delivers-birthday-tradition-southern-helmand#.Tr0woVaAqso

Posted by sr at 8:24 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. John Suleski | Marine Corps Air Station New River | Date: 11.09.2011

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. – With two wars and numerous operations throughout the past decade, Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen can find pride in their service. Nov. 11 is a day Americans can honor military veterans of all branches of service and celebrate what they have done to help keep this country safe.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79775/veterans-day-more-than-just-day-off-work#.TrrDMVaAqso

Posted by sr at 12:15 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.09.2011

Editor’s note: This is the second installment in a four-part series chronicling a trek across Nawa district called the Nawa Victory Walk, a four-day, 30-mile patrol by U.S. Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers.

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Sunlight crept silently through the windows lining the walls of the Loy Kolay precinct, an Afghan National Army security outpost, as the Marines and sailors awoke, each nudging the soundly sleeping service member next to him. Their legs sore from the previous day’s hike more than 14 kilometers, their shoulders strained from the weight of their body armor, the service members of 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, prepared for another day of patrolling across the district with their Afghan counterparts.

For more on the 1/9:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79786/victory-nawa-building-better-tomorrow#.TrrCD1aAqso

Posted by sr at 12:10 PM | Permalink

Published: Nov. 9, 2011 at 7:20 AM

BALTIMORE, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps will soon use a tactical smartphone network developed to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises.

To continue reading:

http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2011/11/09/Marines-to-use-tactical-smartphone-network/UPI-24701320841200/

Posted by sr at 11:54 AM | Permalink

Associated Press
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. November 9, 2011 (AP)

Authorities in California have determined that a Marine who was found dead in his Camp Pendleton barracks was beaten to death by another Marine.

To continue reading:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/calif-marine-beaten-death-camp-pendleton-14913730#.TrtNXFaAqso

Posted by sr at 9:03 AM | Permalink

11/8/2011 By Lance Cpl. Chelsea Flowers , Headquarters Marine Corps
WASHINGTON — Before the United States was born, there was a Marine Corps. For the last 236 years Marines have fought tirelessly to preserve the freedom of the United States and the traditions of the Corps.

To continue reading:

http://www.marines.mil/unit/hqmc/Pages/CommandantcutsMarineCorpsbirthdaycake.aspx

Posted by sr at 11:01 PM | Permalink

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Nov 8, 2011 5:32:00 EST

STERLING, Va. — In front of 300 screaming fans here, Cpl. Kelsey De Santis went to work.

To continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/marine-prepare-for-celebrity-birthday-ball-dates-110811/

Posted by sr at 10:34 PM | Permalink

November 8, 2011

August 9th dawned scalding and dry across the Marjeh district of Helmand province, Afghanistan. In the blocks, a fertile swath of land watered by a canal network stretching dozens of square kilometers, farmers roused their mules early in order to complete ploughing before their relatives came visiting for Ramadan. A convoy of marines, accompanied by Afghan Local Police, rattled down a dusty strip between fields known as Panther road.

To continue reading:

http://www.thefastertimes.com/world/2011/11/08/a-marine-and-his-dog/

Posted by sr at 10:19 PM | Permalink

By the CNN Wire Staff
November 8, 2011

(CNN) -- A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck deep under the ocean floor northwest of Okinawa, Japan, near noon Tuesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

To continue reading:

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/07/world/asia/japan-offshore-earthquake/?hpt=ias_c2

Posted by sr at 5:03 PM | Permalink

Written by
Lindsay Ruebens
11:00 PM, Nov. 8, 2011

Lance Cpl. Travis M. Nelson loved the outdoors.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Lance Cpl. Travis M. Nelson, of the 1/6:

http://www.pnj.com/article/20111109/NEWS01/111090338/Bratt-Park-renamed-fallen-Marine-Travis-Nelson

Posted by sr at 11:46 AM | Permalink

Lance corporal, graduate of St. Patrick High in Chicago returned to alma mater to help coach football team

By John P. Huston, Chicago Tribune reporter
November 8, 2011

Before Nick Daniels deployed to Afghanistan, the Marine lance corporal and his fiancee began making plans for their future together once he returned.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Lance Cpl. Nickolas A. Daniels, of the 3rd CEB:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-elmwood-park-marine-dies-1108-20111108,0,942596.story

Posted by sr at 10:45 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.07.2011

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Over seven months of training, the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, have become hardened for war.

For more on the 3/3:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79644/americas-battalion-arrives-afghanistan#.TrfzHXKAqso

Posted by sr at 9:02 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Photos | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.07.2011

After departing from Hawaii from Oct. 27 through Nov. 1, “America’s Battalion” arrived in southern Helmand province to begin their seven-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In the coming weeks 3/3 will take control of operations in Garmsir District, relieving fellow Hawaii-based 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment.

To view photos:

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/484789/americas-battalion-arrives-afghanistan#.TrhknXKAqso

Posted by sr at 8:58 AM | Permalink

By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Nov 7, 2011 8:11:31 EST

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — In a first for the Corps, a live-fire training facility designed to simulate a sea-going merchant ship will be installed here, on land, making it easier and more cost-effective to practice boarding drills.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/marine-lejeune-infantry-immersion-trainer-110711w/

Posted by sr at 8:21 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.06.2011

PATROL BASE MEHRAJ, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The culture, landscape and austere conditions of Helmand province can be downright shocking to American troops deployed to the area for the first time. Life in Helmand is completely different than life in the United States, and one can only begin to understand this exotic land after experiencing it first-hand.

For more on the 2/4:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79621/nebraska-marine-discovers-afghan-experience#.Tra_XHKAqso

Posted by sr at 11:06 AM | Permalink

By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Nov 6, 2011 9:20:15 EST

Nearly four months after the Republic of South Sudan was born, the country’s citizens are still dancing in the streets.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/marine-guerilla-south-sudan-inspector-general-110611w/

Posted by sr at 10:55 AM | Permalink

BY JOE SWICKARD
DETROIT FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
1:43 AM, Nov. 6, 2011

More than 16 million Americans answered the call to arms in World War II. Of those, 600,000 were the few, the proud, the Marines.

To continue reading:

http://www.freep.com/article/20111106/NEWS06/111060468/1st-black-Marines-may-soon-get-Congressional-Gold-Medal?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

Posted by sr at 9:46 AM | Permalink

While Marines served in Afghanistan, their families faced absence and uncertainty

By Gretel C. Kovach, Reporter - Military
Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 8:03 p.m.

CAMP PENDLETON — It was after midnight when the young couple said goodbye. Emily Black had married her best friend and high school sweetheart. She was at his side when he enlisted in the Marine Corps.

For more on the 1/5 families:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/nov/05/fighting-war-home/

Posted by sr at 11:58 PM | Permalink

By: Jim Cook
Published: November 05, 2011

Every day is a good day, even this one.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Lance Cpl. Jason N. Barfield, of the 3rd CEB:

http://www2.dothaneagle.com/news/2011/nov/05/ashford-mourns-marine-killed-afghanistan-ar-2658313/

Posted by sr at 11:16 PM | Permalink

Published: Saturday, November 05, 2011, 7:38 PM

MONROE (Middlesex County) — At first, Marcella Pascik didn’t notice the color scheme on the outside of her newly renovated home.

To continue reading:

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/11/volunteers_make_home_wheelchai.html

Posted by sr at 10:22 PM | Permalink

A somber memorial service pays tribute to troops from the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment who recently died in the continuing fight for the Taliban stronghold of Sangin.

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times

November 5, 2011
Reporting from Camp Pendleton—

The rain and cold were appropriate. "Somber weather for a somber occasion," the battalion commander said.

To continue reading:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-marines-memorial-20111105,0,7378048.story

Posted by sr at 9:58 PM | Permalink

--Tony Perry at Camp Pendleton
November 5, 2011

They were young -- all in their 20s -- but different from many in their generation.

To continue reading:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/11/memorial-for-marines-killed-afghanistan-camp-pendleton.html

Posted by sr at 8:22 PM | Permalink

Posted: Nov 05, 2011 6:18 PM CDT Updated: Nov 05, 2011 6:35 PM CDT
Posted by Laura McCallister, Multimedia Producer

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -

Saturday a group of local World War II veterans returned from their Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

To continue reading:

http://www.kctv5.com/story/15968282/local-veterans-return-from-honor-flight

Posted by sr at 5:10 PM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Justin Shemanski | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 11.05.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Manual labor proved to be a universal language of sorts as Marines with 7th Engineer Support Battalion’s Charlie Company continued several projects along with their Jordan Armed Forces counterparts, Nov. 5.

For more on the 7th ESB:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79661/7th-esb-partners-with-jordan-armed-forces-engineers#.Trf5_XKAqso

Posted by sr at 9:30 AM | Permalink

Nov. 5: NBC's Atia Abawi reports from Afghanistan where reports are swirling that U.S. troops may exit the country much earlier than the targeted date of 2014.

To view news video:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45174549/dis

Posted by sr at 7:10 AM | Permalink

BY ERIKA I. RITCHIE / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Published: Nov. 4, 2011

CAMP PENDLETON – Seventeen battlefield crosses with photos of the fallen warriors stood in front of two formations of Marines on the parade deck at Camp San Mateo.

To continue reading:

http://www.ocregister.com/news/marines-325503-battalion-company.html

Look for a moving news video at end of article.

Posted by sr at 11:29 PM | Permalink

To reduce injuries, the Corps has hired certified athletic trainers — most with experience tending professional and college athletes — to oversee training. It's a big change from the old ways.

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times

November 4, 2011
Reporting from San Diego—
When the recruit staggered out of the Thunderdome pugil-stick arena, he had the early signs of concussion: glassy eyes, confusion, unsteadiness on his feet.

To continue reading:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bootcamp-injuries-20111104,0,676205,full.story

Posted by sr at 10:10 PM | Permalink

By Patricia Kime - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Nov 4, 2011 13:09:32 EDT

Apparently, wounded warriors who find a way to overcome grievous injuries tend to share a common characteristic: a wicked sense of gallows humor.

To continue reading:

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/11/military-wounded-warriors-american-veterans-center-110411w/

Posted by sr at 5:30 PM | Permalink

Story by Christine Cabalo | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 11.04.2011

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii — Retired Marine 2nd Lt. Don Downer is still serving the Corps by sending hundreds of care packages to the deployed, including 2nd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79587/spam-czar-sends-care-packages-k-bay-marines#.TrRo-HKAqso

Posted by sr at 3:35 PM | Permalink

From: Jim Dargan
Volume 20, Number 4, November 2011 in the The MATCA Hotline, pg. 16

Someone asked me what makes Marines special. I thought about that for a while.

To continue reading on page 16:

http://marine-atc-association.org/documents/1111hotline.pdf

Posted by KC at 3:07 PM | Permalink

Camp Pendleton battalion served in Sangin
By Gretel C. Kovach7:33 P.M.NOV. 4, 2011

Lance Cpl. Joshua B. McDaniels, a 21-year-old Marine combat engineer from Dublin, Ohio, had the most dangerous job in what has been the most dangerous area of Afghanistan for international troops: walking point on patrol, sweeping for bombs in the insurgent minefields of Sangin.

To continue reading about the Fallen Heroes of the 1/5:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2011/nov/04/marines-remember-fallen-afghanistan/

Posted by KC at 11:28 AM | Permalink

By Carlo Munoz
Published: November 4, 2011

Washington: A series of war games led by a special Marine Corps task force could dramatically change the way the service fights their way from ship to shore in the future.

To continue reading:

http://defense.aol.com/2011/11/04/marine-war-games-drive-wholesale-amphibious-shakeup/

Posted by sr at 9:37 AM | Permalink

By Paula J. Caplan, Published: November 4

Psychologist Paula J. Caplan on how civilians and veterans can find common ground

We are a war-illiterate nation, and our ignorance can be obvious when civilians say to veterans: “Thank you for your service.” That simple phrase might seem like the best thing to say — it strikes us as easy, respectful and appreciative — but some veterans find the thank you disturbing, even if they realize that the speaker has good intentions.

To continue reading:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/just-by-listening-civilians-can-help-veterans-heal/2011/11/01/gIQA7YYamM_story.html

Posted by sr at 9:20 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Meredith Brown | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.04.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Over the last two years, Camp Leatherneck, located in Helmand province, has dramatically evolved. When Marines and their Navy counterparts first started building the base it was a mere 400 acres. Now, at more than 1,600 acres, the base serves as the main hub for all units operating within Regional Command Southwest’s Helmand and Nimruz provinces.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79554/moon-dust-city-leatherneck-grows-service-war-fighters#.TrPwVXKAqso

Posted by sr at 9:02 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.03.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Two years ago, an improvised explosive device blew a hole in the Darvishan Bridge, a main bridge across the Helmand River here.

For more on the 1/3:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79522/bridging-way-garmsir#.TrRqQXKAqso

Posted by sr at 11:41 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.03.2011

Editor’s note: This is the first installment in a four-part series chronicling a trek across Nawa district called the Nawa Victory Walk, a four-day, 30-mile patrol by U.S. Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers.

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – They arrived early by vehicle convoy to the small Afghan National Army outpost named Dangar in the northern part of the district. Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, stood beside their Afghan counterparts, ready to depart for the four-day trek that lay before them – approximately 30 miles in total.

For more on the 1/9:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79501/victory-nawa-standing-cusp-transition#.TrKjinKAqso

Posted by sr at 10:25 PM | Permalink

The public is invited to the service

Thursday, Nov 3, 2011

A memorial service has been planned in San Jose for a U.S. Marine from Milpitas who was killed in Afghanistan last week.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Dunning, of the 9th ESB:

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Funeral-For-South-Bay-Marine-Open-to-Public-133216348.html

Posted by sr at 10:22 PM | Permalink

By Tom Smith
Senior Staff Writer
11/3/11

Christina Felber said her family members have had some anxious moments since learning her brother, Marine Cpl. Brian Felber, was severely injured while on patrol Monday morning in Sangin, Afghanistan.

To continue reading:

http://www.timesdaily.com/stories/Local-Marine-injured-in-Afghanistan,183996

Posted by sr at 5:15 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.03.2011

PATROL BASE MEHRAJ, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Afghan Uniformed Police patrolmen and Marines from 3rd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, have been conducting partnered patrols in Musa Qal’eh district, Helmand province, in recent weeks to show a strong, partnered presence in the platoon’s area of responsibility.

For more on the 2/4:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79496/afghan-uniformed-police-marine-partnership-makes-progress-musa-qaleh#.TrKmm3KAqso

Posted by sr at 9:34 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.03.2011

Editor’s note: This is the first installment in a four-part series chronicling a trek across Nawa district called the Nawa Victory Walk, a four-day, 30-mile patrol by U.S. Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers.

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – They arrived early by vehicle convoy to the small Afghan National Army outpost named Dangar in the northern part of the district. Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, stood beside their Afghan counterparts, ready to depart for the four-day trek that lay before them – approximately 30 miles in total.

For more on the 1/9:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79501/victory-nawa-standing-cusp-transition#.TrKjinKAqso

Posted by sr at 9:25 AM | Permalink

By David Hodge
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 2, 2011

RAF MILDENHALL, England — The deadlines for sending gifts for the holidays are fast approaching, and postal officials caution that mail service could be busier than usual this year with U.S. troops withdrawing from Iraq and Afghanistan and shipping their belongings home by mail.

To continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/post-office-warns-overseas-military-christmas-mailing-deadline-is-near-1.159585

Posted by sr at 10:40 PM | Permalink

By CHRISTOPHER McDOUGALL
Published: November 2, 2011

When you’re stalking barefoot runners, camouflage helps. “Some of them get kind of prancy when they notice you filming,” Peter Larson says. “They put on this notion of what they think barefoot running should be. It looks weird.” Larson, an evolutionary biologist at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire who has been on the barefoot beat for two years now, is also a stickler about his timing. “You don’t want to catch them too early in a run, when they’re cold, or too late, when they’re tired.”

To continue reading:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/magazine/running-christopher-mcdougall.html?_r=1&pagewanted;=all

Posted by sr at 10:27 PM | Permalink

By ANDY KRAVETZ ([email protected])
of the Journal Star
Posted Nov 02, 2011 @ 12:18 PM
Last update Nov 03, 2011 @ 11:38 AM

Only the sound of flags flapping could be heard Wednesday morning in downtown Pekin as a funeral procession of well more than 200 cars and motorcycles escorted Lance Cpl. Jordan Bastean to his final resting place.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Lance Cpl. Jordan S. Bastean, of the 3/7:

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x422404463/Thousands-pay-tribute-to-fallen-Pekin-Marine

Posted by sr at 5:17 PM | Permalink

By Stephanie Siegel
[email protected]
11/2/11

Scott “Boots” Harper of Douglasville is remembered by friends and family for his smile, his warmth and his love for his friends.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Lance Cpl. Scott D. Harper, of the 1/6:

http://www.neighbornewspapers.com/stories/Young-Marine-remembered-for-bravery-friendship,177566?content_source=&category;_id=6&search;_filter=&event;_mode=&event;_ts_from=&list;_type=ℴ_by=ℴ_sort=&content;_class=⊂_type=&town;_id=&page;=

Posted by sr at 2:09 PM | Permalink

Story by 2nd Lt. James Stenger | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 11.02.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Combat Logistics Battalion 6 and 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), are pushing north on Route 611, building patrol bases, combat outposts and village stability platforms in support of Task Force Leatherneck and Operation Tofan Sharq (Eastern Storm).

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79414/2nd-mlg-noves-north-along-611-supports-eastern-storm#.TrGQQnKAqso

Posted by sr at 1:46 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.02.2011

PATROL BASE MEHRAJ, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Marines from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, stand post along the base’s perimeter 24 hours a day, seven days a week, protecting those inside and allowing them to conduct business in relative safety within the base’s walls.

For more on the 2/4:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79429/marines-maintain-security-24-7#.TrGO2XKAqso

Posted by sr at 1:39 PM | Permalink

By Leo Shane III
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 2, 2011

WASHINGTON — Veterans exposed to burn pits during their war deployments are backing legislation to create an ongoing registry of patients and illnesses believed connected to the toxic smoke, suggesting it may be the last chance to discover what long-term health problems they’ll face.

To continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans-back-bill-to-create-registry-of-illnesses-blamed-on-burn-pits-1.159539

Posted by sr at 1:25 PM | Permalink

by Tom Bowman
November 1, 2011

A year ago, nearly 1,000 U.S. Marine officers and enlisted men of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment deployed to restive Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. By the time their tour ended in April 2011, the Marines of the 3/5 — known as "Darkhorse" — suffered the highest casualty rate of any Marine unit during the past 10 years of war. This week, NPR tells the story of this unit's seven long months at war — both in Afghanistan and back home.

Third of seven parts

Dave Boelk works for the Navy outside Washington, D.C. Every morning when he gets to work, he has a ritual: He turns on his computer and checks the military's classified reports from Afghanistan.

For more on the 3/5:

http://www.npr.org/2011/11/01/141724329/as-casualties-mounted-so-did-marine-families-fears

Posted by sr at 4:24 PM | Permalink

US Marines badly wounded in Afghanistan may get a "lollipop" with a powerful pain killer from now on instead of the traditional shot of morphine, according to the Marine Corps.

9:48PM GMT 01 Nov 2011

The new treatment offers an alternative to the morphine needle "you see in the World War II movies," with medics jabbing a syrette into a soldier's leg or arm, Captain Brian Block said.

To continue reading:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8863308/Injured-US-Marines-to-get-lollipop-instead-of-morphine.html

Posted by sr at 1:58 PM | Permalink

By CNN National Security Producer Jennifer Rizzo
November 1st, 2011
02:27 PM ET

For the first time ever, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) systems were deployed to a combat zone last month, ending an initiative by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to obtain the technology for brain injury treatment in Afghanistan.

To continue reading:

http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/01/military-surges-mris-to-war-zone-to-diagnose-brain-injuries/

Posted by sr at 1:53 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.01.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — When 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment arrived in Garmsir, the Afghan National Army acted as augments to the infantry squads of the battalion. There were only a few un-partnered positions and 2nd Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps was spread throughout the district in groups of three or four soldiers

For more on the 1/3:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79365/afghan-national-army-maintains-progress-garmsir#.Tq_pOHKAqso

Posted by sr at 7:42 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. James Clark | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.01.2011

KAJAKI SOFLA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Columns of mopeds, caravans of pack animals, and an endless stream of trucks, tractors and trailers heralds the return of local residents to the Kajaki Sofla District.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/79375/operation-eastern-storm-returns-commerce-residents-kajaki-sofla-bazaar#.Tq_n-HKAqso

Posted by sr at 7:26 AM | Permalink