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January 31, 2014

Pendleton hospital ribbon cut

New facility was Navy's largest project using federal stimulus funds

By Gretel C. Kovach
2:07 p.m.Jan. 31, 2014
Updated 5:38 p.m.

Navy and Marine Corps officials celebrated the recent opening of the new Camp Pendleton hospital with a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/31/camp-pendleton-hospital-ribbon-cutting/?st

11th MEU Conducts Nonlethal Training

By Cpl. Demetrius Morgan | 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit | January 31, 2014

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. --

One by one, Marines reluctantly stood at attention within six feet from an instructor. Some Marines tried to compose themselves with heavy breathing, while others clenched their fists preparing for what was to come. The smelly liquid agony launched from the can onto their faces one after the other.

To continue reading:

http://www.11thmeu.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/2683/Article/157949/11th-meu-conducts-nonlethal-training.aspx

January 30, 2014

Online complaints system will police colleges over GI Bill benefits

By Leo Shane III
Stars and Stripes
Published: January 30, 2014

WASHINGTON — Federal officials on Thursday launched an online complaints system designed to root out colleges taking advantage of student veterans and their military education benefits.

To continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/news/online-complaints-system-will-police-colleges-over-gi-bill-benefits-1.264742

January 29, 2014

Camp Hansen hosts bilateral disaster-preparedness exercise

Story by Cpl Matthew Manning
Date Posted:01.29.2014 07:22

CAMP HANSEN, Japan - Members of the Kin Town Office, Kin Town Fire Department, Ishikawa Police Station and the Okinawa Prefectural Police completed a bilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise with Marines from Camp Hansen Jan. 29 to increase disaster preparedness.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/119793/camp-hansen-hosts-bilateral-disaster-preparedness-exercise#.UukljH-9KSM

January 28, 2014

Pendleton opens counseling center

By Linda McIntosh
6 a.m.Jan. 28, 2014

CAMP PENDLETON — A ribbon cutting for the new Community Counseling Center at Camp Pendleton was Friday.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/28/marines-counseling-ptsd-mental-health/?st

Female Marine enters pro MMA with 20 sec knockout

Story by LCpl Jonathan Boynes
Date Posted:01.28.2014 23:33

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The night air vibrated with energy as Sgt. Misha Nassiri and her opponent entered the ring. They stared each other down while the referee addressed the basic rules of the match. The ring’s entrance was locked, the ref shouted “fight,” and violent roars shot from the audience as the fighters closed in on each other with violent swiftness. The opponents tapped gloves and the mayhem commenced.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/119783/female-marine-enters-pro-mma-with-20-sec-knockout#.UuknQ3-9KSN

CLB-6 redeploys, CLB-7 last Marine logistical unit to deploy to Afghanistan

Story by Sgt Jessica Ostroska
Date Taken:01.26.2014 | Date Posted:01.28.2014 10:19

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 handed over the responsibilities as the logistics combat element for Regional Command (Southwest) to Combat Logistics Battalion 7 during a transfer of authority ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Jan. 26.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/119752/clb-6-redeploys-clb-7-last-marine-logistical-unit-deploy-afghanistan#.Uuknt3-9KSN

January 27, 2014

Miramar Air Show a go for 2014

By Gretel C. Kovach
3:35 p.m.Jan. 27, 2014
Updated7:46 p.m.

The Miramar Air Show, grounded last year by the federal government shutdown, is a go for 2014, the Marine Corps announced Monday.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/27/miramar-show-set-for-2014/?st

January 26, 2014

Film helps women veterans find safety at home

Jan. 26, 2014 - 02:44PM
By R. Norman Moody
Florida Today

MELBOURNE, FLA. — It took time, but Mariette Kalinowski is now more open to identifying herself as a veteran than when she first returned from war.

To continue reading:

http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140126/NEWS/301260014/Film-helps-women-veterans-find-safety-home

January 25, 2014

Marines in tanks unit decorated for bravery in Afghanistan

Jan. 25, 2014 - 06:00AM
By Hope Hodge Seck | Staff Writer

Two noncommissioned officers and a captain from a West Coast tank battalion were honored Jan. 21 for exemplary service and bravery during deployments to Afghanistan.

To continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140125/NEWS/301250004/Marines-in-tank-unit-decorated-for-bravery-in-Afghanistan

January 24, 2014

Photo Gallery: Discipline essential for Parris Island recruits to become Marines

Photos by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:01.14.2014 | Date Posted:01.24.2014 18:18

Recruits of Platoon 3021, Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion receive close-order that teaches discipline by instilling habits of precision and immediate response to orders, multiple times a day enabling a unit to move from one place to another in a standard, orderly manner and creates a sense of unit cohesion. Intensive training is to instill discipline and motivation.
Approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

Continue to view photo gallery:

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1155362/photo-gallery-discipline-essential-parris-island-recruits-become-marines#.UuMeuH9OKSM

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits stay on target during Parris Island training

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date:01.15.2014
Date Posted:01.24.2014 17:55

Recruits of Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, aim at simulated targets Jan. 15, 2014, during marksmanship training on Parris Island, S.C. For five days, primary marksmanship instructors teach recruits the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship, firing positions, weapons safety and rifle range procedures in preparation for firing live rounds the following week. In order to become a Marine, every recruit must qualify with a rifle, firing at targets up to 500 yards away. Papa Company is scheduled to graduate Feb. 28, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

To view 8 photos:

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1155337/photo-gallery-marine-recruits-stay-target-during-parris-island-training#.UuQYyX9OKSM

January 23, 2014

Memorial Honors Marine’s Life of Service

Story by MSgt Pauline Franklin
Date Posted:01.23.2014 02:42

HAGATNA, Guam – Family, friends, elected officials and Marines, past and present, gathered Saturday to pay tribute to the first Chamorro, or native of the Marianas Islands, from Guam to achieve the rank of brigadier general.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/119524/memorial-honors-marines-life-service#.UuaUAn9OKSM

January 21, 2014

Marine recognized for providing honors to more than 1,000 fallen Marines

By Sgt. Michael Ito | U. S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve | January 21, 2014

BRIDGETON, Mo. --

As any Marine can tell you, earning and upholding the title is no small feat. No matter what a Marine does in life or how long they serve in their beloved Corps, they will always uphold the honor and respect for the Marines that went before them

To continue reading:

http://www.marforres.marines.mil/MarineReserveNewsPhotos/MarineReserveNews/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/7930/Article/157267/marine-recognized-for-providing-honors-to-more-than-1000-fallen-marines.aspx

Marine West Expo opens Jan. 29

Latest warrior technology featured; feedback sought from active-duty Marines

By Linda McIntosh
6 a.m.Jan. 21, 2014

CAMP PENDLETON — The latest technology to support Marines will be showcased at the Marine West Expo Jan. 29-30 on base.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/21/marine-west-expo-battle-technology-war-preparation/?st

January 16, 2014

Marine dies in swimming pool at Camp Pendleton during recon test

By Hope Hodge Seck
Jan. 16, 2014 - 06:44PM

A junior Marine died this week in a swimming pool at Camp Pendleton, Calif., while completing a water skills test, Marine Corps officials said this week.

To continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140116/NEWS/301160014/Marine-dies-swimming-pool-Camp-Pendleton-during-recon-test

January 15, 2014

Navy Cross for fallen Marine SpecOps leaders

Two from Camp Pendleton fought off inside attack from Afghan policeman

By Gretel C. Kovach
2:41 p.m.Jan. 15, 2014
Updated3:08 p.m.

Two Marines from a Camp Pendleton special operations unit will be posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the nation’s second-highest medal for valor in combat.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/15/marine-special-operations-navy-cross/?st

January 14, 2014

Gouverneur Marine's Family Upset Over Funeral 'Nightmare'

Story Published: Jan 14, 2014 at 5:06 PM EST
Story Updated: Jan 14, 2014 at 7:08 PM EST

It's been one week since Marine Private First Class Skyler Way was found dead in a car submerged in canal near Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

To continue reading:

http://www.wwnytv.com/news/local/Feedback-Gouverneur-Marines-Family-Upset-Over-Funeral--240173001.html

Marine receives award for rescuing young girl

By Cpl. Devin Nichols | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | January 14, 2014

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- With the arrival of the weekend, Marines and their friends gathered together to head to North Topsail Beach, N.C.

To continue reading:

http://www.2ndmlg.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/3874/Article/156992/marine-receives-award-for-rescuing-young-girl.aspx

Marine Band puts on patriotic show

By Linda McIntosh
6 a.m.Jan. 14, 2014

CAMP PENDLETON — Camp Pendleton’s 1st Marine Division Band is putting on a free patriotic concert Jan. 30-31 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/14/first-marinedivision-band-concert-calif-artscenter/?st

Marines’ role in surfing history highlighted

California Surf Museum features Camp Pendleton memorabilia

By Linda McIntosh
11:39 a.m.Jan. 14, 2014

CAMP PENDLETON — An exhibit at the California Surf Museum in Oceanside highlights Camp Pendleton’s role in local surfing history. The show, “San Onofre, Birthplace of Southern California Beach Culture,” looks at the history and significance of San Onofre, a surfing hot spot at the northern end of the base.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/14/surfing-history-campepndleton-sanonofre-sonarsurf/?st

January 13, 2014

Final rotation of Marines deploys to Afghanistan

I MEF (Fwd.) arrives to bring Marines' war effort to a close
By James K. Sanborn
Staff writer
Jan. 13, 2014 - 08:49AM

When Brig. Gen. Daniel Yoo takes charge as the top Marine commander in Afghanistan this month, he will find the Corps has made significant headway in preparing for complete withdrawal of combat troops by the end of 2014.

To continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140113/NEWS/301130010/Final-rotation-Marines-deploys-Afghanistan

January 11, 2014

Veterans recognized at inaugural Medal of Honor Bowl

Christina Elmore
Posted: Saturday, January 11, 2014 9:51 p.m

A jagged scar that weaves between patches of Burness Britt's brown hair hints at the horrors of his past.

To continue reading:

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140111/PC16/140119819/1005/inaugural-medal-of-honor-bowl-honors-veterans

Afghan war reaches endgame

Top commanders discuss stakes, prospects in last year of NATO campaign

By Gretel C. Kovach
8:13 a.m.Jan. 11, 2014

SANGIN, Afghanistan — The NATO campaign in Afghanistan may be ending late this year, but the war is not. Insurgent strongholds will remain — 13 years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks prompted a U.S. invasion — inspiring anxiety about prospects for long-term stability and a newfound urgency among Afghan national security forces.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/Jan/11/afghan-war-commanders-endgame/?#article-copy

Marines train to fight in the cold in Finland

By Gina Harkins
Staff Writer
Jan. 11, 2014 - 06:00AM

Marines with the Black Sea Rotational Force are training with Finnish soldiers for the first time, swapping skills on arctic and urban warfare in areas that average single-digit temperatures in January.

To continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140111/NEWS/301110004/Marines-train-fight-cold-Finland

Pride of the Pacific composites with formal ceremony

Story by Sgt Melissa Wenger
01.11.2014

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit gained all the elements necessary to make it a complete Marine Air Ground Task Force Jan. 11. A composite ceremony and static display event here commemorated the activation of the MEU and the journey to its 2014 deployment.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/119053/pride-pacific-composites-with-formal-ceremony#.UtgZD3-9KSM

January 10, 2014

Special Operations Training Group prepares 2/1 Marines for MEU

Story by LCpl Joshua Murray
Date Posted:01.10.2014 11:39

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Special Operations Training Group hosted assault, support, and security training for Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 7.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/119019/special-operations-training-group-prepares-2-1-marines-meu#.UtB8_H-9KSM

Four more women drop out of Marine Infantry Officer Course

By Hope Hodge Seck | Staff Writer
Jan. 10, 2014 - 06:00AM

Four more female Marine officers have dropped out on the first day of the Infantry Officer Course at Quantico, Va., bringing the number of women who have attempted and failed to complete the course to 14.

To continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140110/NEWS/301100023/Four-more-women-drop-out-Marine-Infantry-Officer-Course

January 9, 2014

After Being Injured In Afghanistan, Josh Sweeney Finds Solace On Ice

By Joanne C Gerstner | Jan. 09, 2014, 11 a.m. (ET)

In so many ways, everything Josh Sweeney has been through in his life — good and bad — keeps bringing him back to hockey.

To continue reading:

http://www.teamusa.org/Road-to-Sochi-2014/Features/2014/January/09/After-Being-Injured-In-Afghanistan-Josh-Sweeney-Finds-Solace-On-Ice

Retired master gunnery sergeant opens trail for base

Story by LCpl Justin Rodriguez
Date Posted:01.09.2014 10:30

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Jeff LeBlanc wanted to give back to the community with a passion he developed during his 26 years in the Marine Corps, so he began building several bike trails in the community.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118956/retired-master-gunnery-sergeant-opens-trail-base#.Us7rA3-9KSM

Recon Marines depart for Sandfisher 2014

Story by Cpl Brandon Suhr
Date Posted:01.09.2014 23:05

FUTENMA, Japan - Marines and sailors with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion departed Jan. 7 to Hawaii for Exercise Sandfisher 2014 to expand their capabilities, training and combat readiness.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118985/recon-marines-depart-sandfisher-2014#.UtQjtn-9KSP

January 8, 2014

Troopers identify Camp Lejeune Marines found dead in submerged vehicle

Posted: Jan 08, 2014 9:44 AM CST Updated: Jan 08, 2014 1:48 PM CST
By: WECT Staff

CAMPE LEJEUNE, NC (WECT) - The Highway Patrol has identified the two Camp Lejeune Marines who were found dead inside a submerged vehicle, according to WITN.

To continue reading:

http://www.wect.com/story/24394799/update-troopers-identify-camp-lejeune-marines-found-dead-in-submerged-vehicle

Afghan soldier who murdered Marine awaits execution

Jan. 8, 2014 - 09:01PM

An Afghan soldier who killed a Marine lance corporal in a green-on-blue attack in 2012 is now awaiting execution in Afghanistan after being convicted of murder by a local court, according to Marine officials and court documents.

To continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140108/NEWS06/301080015/Afghan-soldier-who-murdered-Marine-awaits-execution

SAT, ACT testing for success

Story by Cpl Brian Stevens
Date Posted:01.08.2014 18:07

IWAKUNI, Japan - Marines interested in attending college or becoming a commissioned officer can look into taking a placement test.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118930/sat-act-testing-success#.Us7wJ3-9KSM

Changes in the Corps

Story by LCpl Alejandro Bedoya
Date Posted:01.08.2014 20:53

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - The Marine Corps has greatly changed since its birth in 1775. This past year has further contributed to its evolution. Leaders toured bases across the Corps, addressing Marines face-to-face, female Marines faced the challenges of new physical fitness standards and were afforded new military occupational specialty opportunities. Combat readiness was revolutionized with the implementation of the Integrated Training Exercise aboard the Combat Center. Every year, the Corps reflects upon its successes and areas of opportunity in order to maintain its status as America’s elite fighting force. In 2013, the Corps attained many historic milestones. Not only have our uniforms and standards improved but new avenues have been made for every Marine to pursue.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118934/changes-corps#.Us7t8X-9KSM

Family members identify Lejeune Marines killed on Catfish Lake Road

Mom of victim: Road "is nothing but a death hole"

By Justine Borst, Producer
POSTED: 4:58 AM Jan 08 2014

CRAVEN COUNTY -
Two missing Camp Lejeune Marines were found dead in an overturned car late Tuesday night.

To continue reading:

http://www.wcti12.com/news/two-bodies-found-in-submerged-vehicle/-/13530444/23825332/-/i871tmz/-/index.html

January 7, 2014

Marine gets Silver Star for saving buddy

He carried team leader the distance of 3 football fields

By Jeanette Steele
5:05 p.m.Jan. 7, 2014
Updated 7:06 p.m.

A star running back at his tiny Michigan high school, Staff Sgt. Timothy Williams hoisted the team leader over his shoulder and ran the length of three football fields, as gun muzzles flashed all around.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/07/marine-silver-star-williams-pendleton/?st

West Palm Beach, Fla., native a Marine Corps drill instructor on Parris Island

Photo by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 01.06.2014
Date Posted:01.07.2014 15:59

Sgt. Brian Dear currently serves as a Marine Corps drill instructor with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Dear joined the Marine Corps in August 2005 and became a drill instructor in March 2013. "[I became a drill instructor because] just knowing the fact that we are training civilians into the next Marine Corps leaders is pretty humbling," said Dear, a native of West Palm Beach, Fla. About 600 Marine Corps drill instructors shape the approximately 20,000 recruits who come to Parris Island annually into basic United States Marines. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

To view photo:

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1147633/west-palm-beach-fla-native-marine-corps-drill-instructor-parris-island#.Us2H5rQlJPa

January 6, 2014

Lake Placid native receives Bronze Star

Story by Cpl Mel Johnson
Date Posted:01.06.2014 18:15

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Corporal Joshua M. McKee, a rifleman with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, received the Bronze Star medal with combat distinguishing device during an award ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 27.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118881/lake-placid-native-receives-bronze-star#.Us7G6H-9KSO

January 5, 2014

Here Are Some Winter Survival Tips From The US Marine Corps

Geoffrey Ingersoll
Jan. 5, 2014, 2:44 PM

Early this week, wind chills across the U.S. could reach as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service.

To continue reading:

http://www.businessinsider.com/marines-freezing-survival-tips-2014-1

January 3, 2014

Marines delay female fitness plan after half fail

By Pauline Jelinek
The Associated Press
Jan. 3, 2014 - 09:28AM

WASHINGTON — More than half of female Marines in boot camp can’t do three pullups, the minimum standard that was supposed to take effect with the new year, prompting the Marine Corps to delay the requirement, part of the process of equalizing physical standards to integrate women into combat jobs.

To continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140103/CAREERS/301030003/Marines-delay-female-fitness-plan-after-half-fail

Marines evacuate South Sudan embassy personnel

New crisis response task force was sent to East Africa amid violence
By Gretel C. Kovach | 5:06 A.M.JAN. 3, 2014 | Updated6:35 A.M.

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti — A Marine crisis response force evacuated U.S. embassy personnel from South Sudan Friday as political and ethnic clashes gripped the East African nation.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/Jan/03/marines-sudan-crisis-response/?st#article-copy

January 2, 2014

U.S. Marine Corps leadership pays Camp Lemonnier members holiday visit, reaffirms meaning

Story SSgt Christopher Gross
Date Posted:01.02.2014 07:13

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - U.S. Marine Corps leadership ensured Marines and other service members deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, knew they weren’t forgotten and their service overseas during the holidays is greatly appreciated, during an “all-call” Dec. 29, 2013.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118734/us-marine-corps-leadership-pays-camp-lemonnier-members-holiday-visit-reaffirms-meaning#.Usbb3n-9KSN