NEWS

Return to Marjah: Marines work with much improved ANSF Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, – Marines with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, recently returned to southern Afghanistan, two years after their deployment to the Marjah area. The opportunity to return to the same area allowed some Marines to see firsthand the difference two years of teaching and mentoring with various Marine battalions and training teams can make. “We were in the Marjah district on the edge of Trek Nawa from December 2010 to June 2011,” said Lance Cpl. Limuel Richards, a team leader with the battalion. Richards and his squad leader, Sgt. Ben Edwards, were with the battalion two years ago. Because of their previous deployment, the two Marines have a better perspective of the progress made by Afghan National Security Forces. “I honestly thought when we came back it was going to be like before,” said Edwards. (Read the STORY)

District officials, PRT members discuss improvements in Musa Qal'ah Story and photos by Cpl. Mark Garcia

MUSA QAL’AH DISTRICT CENTER, Afghanistan – Members of the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team met with local Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials and local village elders in an effort to assess governance, security and stability in Musa Qal’ah, Afghanistan, Nov. 29. During recent years, Musa Qal’ah has undergone drastic changes in an effort to better the lives of the Afghan people living here. The meeting was designed to continue the improvements in the area and to help build upon them as coalition forces withdraw and authority and responsibilities shift to the Afghans. “Our mission is to facilitate transition to the Afghan government, and it’s important in our role to support them, to see how they’re doing, and where we might be able to help provide advice to the Afghan government on how to better deliver services to the people,” said Matt Duncan, a political officer with the Helmand PRT, and Rochester, N.Y., native. (Read the STORY)

Never forgotten: 3/9 Marines remember fallen brother Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo

COMBAT OUTPOST HANSON, Afghanistan – It was a day of somber remembrance for servicemembers with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, as they attended a memorial service for Lance Cpl. Anthony Denier, Dec. 8, at Combat Outpost Hanson, Afghanistan. In front of a formation of India Company Marines and sailors stood a battlefield cross, which consisted of an upside down rifle with a bayonet, a Kevlar helmet, a pair of boots and identification tags, all assembled to honor their fallen brother who died while conducting combat operations in Marjah, Afghanistan, Dec. 2. “(Denier) will be missed, but surely never forgotten because we will at all times hold him, as well as his family, in our hearts,” said Lt. Col. Carl Cooper Jr., commanding officer, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines. Denier’s company commander, platoon sergeant and his peers reflected on their time spent with the India Company rifleman from Mechanicville, N.Y. “He left us as he lived, protecting who he loved and putting their welfare before his own,” said Capt. James M. Geiger Jr., commanding officer, India Company. “I’m incredibly proud to have served with Lance Cpl. Denier, and I thank him for his courage and commitment to his brothers. To his family, we vow to always honor his memory and to always be there for you as members of our Marine family.” (Read the STORY)

Afghan Border Police conduct independent clearing operation in southern Helmand Story and photos by Sgt. John Jackson

SOUTHERN , Afghanistan – Governor Naeem, Helmand province governor, Maj. Gen. David Berger, Task Force Leatherneck commanding general, and coalition and Afghan National Security Forces officials visited members of the 6th Zone Afghan Border Police at a remote location in southern Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 9. The visit allowed Gov. Naeem, Maj. Gen. Berger and the officials the opportunity to see the 6th Zone ABP conduct a clearing operation in southern Afghanistan. The operation, which includes four kandaks of ABP from both Helmand and Nimroz provinces, has been planned, coordinated and executed by the 6th Zone ABP commanders. “There are several different things we are trying to accomplish during this clearing operation,” said Col. Hamidullah Sadiki, 6th Zone ABP chief of staff. “We are trying to rid the area of . We are talking to the civilians about government policy. We are also speaking to them about poppy and telling them why they should not be harvesting it. And we are also meeting with village elders to discuss what issues they have.” (Read the STORY)

Nimroz provincial officials meet with Joint Secretariat members Story and photos by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.

ZARANJ, Afghanistan - Regional Command Southwest Marines and their coalition partners helped facilitate a meeting with key Afghan officials about reintegration in the remote Zaranj district of Nimroz province, Afghanistan on Dec. 4. As the transition toward a more independent Afghanistan continues, so does the expansion of outreach programs to those who were once insurgents or supported insurgent activity. For this reason, the Nimroz Provincial Joint Secretariat Team was established and coordinates the return of former insurgents to become peaceful members of society. “The purpose of (the meeting) was to facilitate members from the Joint Secretariat in Kabul to meet with their counterparts in Nimroz,” said Maj. Ethan Harding, Nimroz Provincial Director for RC (SW) Governance. “It allows them to get to one of the more remote provinces in the country and actually help stand up a reintegration program.” Provincial leadership sees the importance of having reintegration programs and has taken steps to create one. (Read the STORY)

Building on past traditions, legacy: Fox Company pushes forward in Afghanistan Story and photos by Cpl. Mark Garcia

MUSA QAL’ AH DISTRICT CENTER, Afghanistan – The phrase "The Few, The Proud" has been associated with Marines for years, but for one infantry company the words have a deeper meaning. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, are currently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. For them, it is an opportunity to build upon and continue the illustrious past and traditions associated with their company. “There’s been a lot of Marines throughout history, but there’s only been a select few who have had the opportunity to say they were a part of Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines,” said 1st Sgt. Christopher Griffith, the company first sergeant and Parkersburg, W.Va., native. “To me, that’s why it’s so important for the men in this company to have such a fond respect for those who came before us.” For Capt. Thomas Harris, the company commander, the feeling of being a part of Fox is humbling. “The battalion, as well as the company, has a pretty impressive battle history,” said Harris, from Fort Madison, Iowa. “They’ve always done great things in hard places. So it’s eye- opening to have to be responsible for not only the Marines and sailors of the current Fox Company, but also the heritage and legacy of past Fox Company Marines.” (Read the STORY)

ANSF, RC(SW) servicemembers come together to discuss Afghanistan’s infrastructure Story and photos by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces and Regional Command Southwest servicemembers gathered for the ANSF Infrastructure Execution and Transition Conference aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 5 through 6. The RC (SW) servicemembers met with members of Afghanistan’s National Army, Border Police, Uniformed Police and its National Civil Order Police to discuss Afghanistan’s current infrastructure and ways to improve it as the Afghans prepare to assume complete control of their country. “The principle really is to try and get the ANSF in a room to talk about the infrastructure they’re going to have,” said British Army Maj. Charlie Beatty, officer in charge of ANSF construction and development with RC (SW) engineers. “It’s an opportunity for them to talk about their plans.” The two-day conference was mostly comprised of ANSF engineers. The forces were seated panel style in the center of the room as exchanges of information flowed from ANSF and RC (SW) representatives. (Read the STORY)

Logistics Marines embrace expeditionary energy, improve reliability of communications Story by 1st Lt. Tyler Morrison

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marines from Combat Logistics Regiment-15 recently installed several Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy Network Systems [GREENS] at several locations throughout Regional Command (Southwest) to improve the communications reliability of critical assets and to develop new ways to employ expeditionary energy solutions. The GREENS is an array of solar panels and rechargeable batteries that provide a continuous output of 300 watts of electricity which is used to power electrical equipment and radios. This installation is in step with the Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Strategy and Implementation Plan that recognizes the direct link between energy efficiency and combat effectiveness. The plan calls for Marines to adopt new technologies and procedures to become less dependent on traditional energy sources. The more energy efficient the Marine Corps becomes, the more capable they are of operating in expeditionary environments. Marines from the S-6 communications section, CLR-15 installed GREENS at three different locations throughout RC(SW) including the Munitions Storage Area on Camp Leatherneck and two separate Role II medical facilities. (Read the STORY) Leatherneck sailors, Marines celebrate 237 years of religious support Story and photos by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Sailors and Marines gathered at the Camp Leatherneck Chapel to celebrate the 237th birthday of the Navy Chaplains Corps, Nov. 28. Established during 1775, the Navy Chaplains Corps is charged with many tasks to include providing religious ministry and support within their faith group, facilitating for the religious needs of those outside their faith group, and aiding the Marines, sailors and their families spiritually. The ceremony began with a welcome speech by Lt. Cmdr. Beth Stallinga, Combat Logistics Regiment 15 chaplain, and the playing of the national anthem. Marines, sailors and all present were attentive to the television and the podium as birthday messages from senior ranking members of the Marine Corps and Navy were read and played. Once the introductions and messages were complete, the keynote speaker was introduced and given time to address the audience and commend the Navy Chaplains Corps. (Read the STORY)

VIGNETTES

Despite spinal cord surgery, Marine continues to push forward on third combat deployment Story and photos by Cpl. Mark Garcia

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The drive to become a Marine and gain acceptance into the tight-knit family is what drove Staff Sgt. Monica Paz to enlist during July 2000. A veteran of two previous combat deployments to Iraq, Paz is currently serving as the accounting division chief and squadron support division chief for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, (Forward), in Helmand province, Afghanistan. “I originally wanted to go to college, but I really wasn’t set on what I wanted to study and didn’t want to waste my parents’ money,” said Paz, from Miami. “The Marine Corps was the hardest. It seemed like it was the most challenging branch of the military. I didn’t want to regret something that I didn’t do, and my mother always encouraged me to go ahead and accomplish something no matter how hard it was.” When Paz left for recruit training, she had no idea what her job would be in the Marine Corps. “My main focus was, ‘I’m going to be a Marine.’ I didn’t care what job they gave me,” Paz said. Although Paz came in with an open contract, she has worked to become a proficient leader along with being skilled at her job. “As a Marine, she’s top notch,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Robert Mena, aviation supply chief with MALS-16, 3rd MAW (Fwd). “She’s well rounded and embodies the whole Marine concept. She definitely has a very positive staff noncommissioned officer future ahead of her.” (Read the STORY)

Thomasville native gains new experiences in southern Afghanistan Story and photos by Sgt. John Jackson

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Growing up in southern Georgia, Cpl. Cameron Reed enjoyed the outdoors. The avid hunter got a job shortly after graduating high school working on a plantation that grew a habitat designed to attract quail. While Reed enjoyed working on the plantation and still enjoys hunting, the 24-year-old Marine wanted to try his hand at a different career outside the small town of Thomasville. “I figured I would do something different for a while,” said Reed, a motor transport operator with Regimental Combat Team 7. “I really enjoyed working on the plantation, but I wanted to try something new.” While his parents, Chuck and Julianne Reed, were hesitant at first of their son’s decision to enlist in the Marine Corps, they are supportive of his career move, said Reed. Compared to small town life in Georgia, Reed now finds himself in a new situation and environment in southern Afghanistan’s Helmand province, the country’s most hostile province. (Read the STORY)

Tire flipping unites Marines in brotherhood, pain Story and photos by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan – In today’s society of workout trends from Pilates and Crossfit to Insanity and P90X, Marines with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, are trading DVD workouts for a more rugged approach. Every other Sunday, Marines gather to flip two tires for more than a mile around the base. The exercise works their entire body and also brings Marines together who normally would not interact. “We went out to enhance the base morale by flipping two gigantic tires,” said Sgt. Michael Sinicropi, maintenance management chief with the battalion. “When we first decided to flip tires, it sounded like a terrible idea. When the day came, everyone looked around like, ‘We are not really going to flip that tire?’ Then, true to the Marines, we flipped the tire.” The first day there were only three Marines. They flipped the tire in plain view of the entire base. Sinicropi, from Deerfield Beach, Fla., did not realize it then, but he had just started a workout that would grow in participants during the next couple weeks. “When we returned, the company commander and company gunnery sergeant were talking about us flipping the tire,” said Sinicropi. “The next day the whole base was talking about us.” After the first week, the three Marines saw their numbers more than double as other Marines joined in the workout. During their latest outing, 20 Marines helped flip the tire. The oddity of the workout attracted many of the Marines. (Read the STORY)

VIDEOS

K-MAX Landing and Take Off Video by Cpl. Gregory Moore

A Cargo Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (CRUAS) with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) lands and takes off on Camp Bastion, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 1, 2012. VMU-3 deployed to Afghanistan to support and conduct counter-insurgency operations. (Watch the VIDEO)

Marines conduct Operation Aero Hunter Video by Sgt. Keonaona Paulo

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, MAG-16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) and 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines with the air interdiction force (AIF) conduct Operation Aero Hunter in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Nov. 27, 2012. AIF was used as a quick reaction force in support of counter-insurgency operations in Southern Helmand. (Watch the VIDEO)

Marketed/Republished Combat Correspondent Product

Cpl. Kyle M. Taormino talks to an Anderson Valley Post reporter about Operation Golden Gate, his responsibilities and his deployments to Afghanistan

Cottonwood Marine works on Afghan transportation projects. Published in the Anderson Valley Post.

Marine Cpl. Zachary Eaton from Concord, N.H., talks with a Concord Patch reporter about his duties and responsibilities while deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Marine Cpl. Cameron C. Reed, from Thomasville, Ga., talks to a KCDZ 107.7 FM Online reporter about his duties as a motor transport operator deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan with Regimental Combat Team-7.

Cpl. Antonio Dominquez talks to a KCDZ 107.7 FM Online reporter in Twenty-nine Palms, Calif. about his duties and responsibilities as a Marine.

Return to Marjah: Marines work with much improved ANSF republished on Road Runner.

Afghan Border Police conduct independent clearing operation in southern Helmand republished on News Room America.

Nimroz provincial officials meet with Joint Secretariat members republished on patriotfiles.com.

ANSF, ISAF come together to discuss Afghan infrastructure republished on ISAF.

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