Making History Alpha males Depot graduates perfect their ‘one second female hitter quitter!’ recruit Pg. 4 Pg. 8 HONOR PLATOON

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO AND THE WESTERN RECRUITING REGION

Vol. 69 – No. 35 – COMPANY A FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2009 WWW.MCRDSD.USMC.MIL

Commandant of Commanding the Marine Corps General’s Birthday Birthday Message Message 2009 2009

United States Marines rep- For 234 years, our Corps has resent the best young men and successfully served our nation in women our nation has to offer. every clime and place. Winning To be a Marine is to be a member battles and earning the respect of of America’s warrior class – to be our comrades in the profession of one of the few who steps forward arms and enemies alike continues with the courage and conviction to be our hallmark. This heritage to face whatever dangers await. is sacred to our Corps and is tes- Our nation expects her Marines to timony to our unrivaled excel- be ready when the nation calls; to lence in warfighting. Again this leave family and the comforts of year, we can see Marines deployed home behind; to march into battle across the far reaches of our world, and thrive under austerity; and to engaging the nation’s foes and come home under a victory pen- demonstrating through deeds that nant. the phrase “honor, courage, and commitment” is not mere words, From Al Anbar in the west of but the code by which we live and Brig. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San defend our nation. Iraq, to Helmand Province in the Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, thanks veterans for their service and south of Afghanistan, our Corps dedication during the Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance cere- of Marines can always expect to A resurgent enemy in Afghani- mony at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, San Diego, Oct. 31. stan has resulted in some of the be found where the fight is tough- Lance Cpl. Rebecca Lamont/Chevron est. Such is our history. Today, as toughest fighting the Marines we write the final chapter on our Corps has seen in its history. As victory in Iraq, we will increas- we celebrate today, let us remem- ingly take the fight to the enemy Veterans remembered ber those who are deployed are in Afghanistan and add new pages counting upon us - we who recruit to our legacy in places called and train the next generation of Delaram, now Zad, and Garmsir. Marines - to continue to uphold One day, we will return to our with tribute to the flag the standards of excellence that Naval heritage and patrol the high have served our Corps so well. by Lance Cpl. Rebecca A. Lamont their lives for.” seas with our Navy brothers. Such Every member of this command, Chevron staff The overall community gained insight is our future. whether they are from Weap- on what it truly is to be an American, he ons Field Training Battalion, the The Military Order of the World Wars said. As we celebrate our Corps’ Recruit Depot, or the Western San Diego Chapter celebrated their 54th “This remembrance gives the commu- 234th birthday, we first pause to Recruiting Region, contributes to anniversary during the Massing of the nity an opportunity to see what we see and reflect and pay tribute to those the essential mission of making Colors and Service of Remembrance cer- better explain why we do the things we Marines who have given the last Marines. As we look to the future emony at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in do,” said Cruz. full measure in defense of free- and the uncertainty of conflict, we Balboa Park, San Diego, Oct. 31. After thanking the veterans for their dom. We extend our deepest can take great pride in knowing The ceremony was a patriotic tribute service and dedication, Brig. Gen. Ronald gratitude to our Marine Corps that we are molding the Marines to the American flag and a remembrance L. Bailey, commanding general, Marine families—the unsung heroes who who will ultimately produce vic- of those who currently serve in the armed Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and West- endure hardship and sacrifice so tory in The Long War and main- forces and those who have given the ulti- ern Recruiting Region, took time during that we are able to go forward tain our warfighting legacy. mate sacrifice for their country. his speech to address America’s youth, and accomplish any mission. We More than 50 color guard units repre- telling the story, “The Tale of the Snake,” extend our appreciation to our On this 234th anniversary of senting the military, high schools, colleges, by Iron Eyes Cody. countrymen who have answered the founding of our Corps, let us police and fire departments and scout- “Cody warned America that you knew our every need. And we celebrate honor the memory of past Marines, ing fraternal and patriotic organizations, it was a snake before you picked it up,” the magnificent men and women and renew our commitment to participated in the event. Marine Band said Bailey, using a venomous snake as a who willingly and selflessly con- excellence. To all the Marines of San Diego helped celebrate while playing metaphor for taking illegal drugs, abusing tinue to go into harm’s way to MCRD, the Western Recruiting patriotic songs during the ceremony. alcohol and drunk driving. He reminded protect this great nation. Region, Sailors, Coastguardsmen, The color guard carried the national the audience of the damage caused by and all of our civilian Marines who ensign and other flags in their position in these hazardous substances and choices. To all who have gone before, work so hard to make this com- the chain of command. These included Bailey also emphasized the importance to those who wear the uniform mand what it is today, I thank you a unit flag and a flag representing each of always doing right and being our best. today, and to the families that give for your efforts and look forward branch of service. In addition to the flag “We are all bound by the one flag of us the strength to forge ahead— to another year of serving our bearers, who were positioned in the center glory,” said Bailey. I wish you all a heartfelt happy Corps together. of the color guard, there were two indi- The MOWW is a patriotic, non-profit, 234th birthday! viduals at each end carrying rifles. nonpartisan, veteran’s organization. Happy Birthday Marines and “I think this had a positive impact MOWW was established in 1919 to pro- Semper Fidelis! on particularly the younger color guard mote the welfare of our nation and is com- participants, because they get to see all prised of 145 chapters across the U.S. It the branches of service and see what they provides the opportunity for officers of all Semper Fidelis! contribute to the U.S.,” said Sgt. Jose uniformed services to unite and promote James T. Conway Ronald L. Bailey L. Cruz, platoon sergeant, ceremonial national security, patriotism, good citizen- General, U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General, U.S. Marine platoon, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San ship and service to country. For more Commandant of the Marine Corps Corps Diego. “They also get the opportunity to information visit www.militaryorder.net Commanding General contribute to a cause many have sacrificed or www.sandiego-moww.org. 2 CHEVRON ~ NEWS AND COMMENTARY ~ NOVEMBER 4, 2009

Self-defense class for women A self-defense class for women will be held Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Bldg. 5E classroom on the second floor. Participants will be taught verbal confronta- tional skills, safety strategies and physical techniques to enable them by Gunnery Sgt. Laura Gawecki months before Christmas because • 2nd Battalion HQ, Bldg. 3 East to successfully avoid, prevent, Chevron staff sponsors require particular events and • 3rd Battalion HQ, Bldg. 3 West escape and survive violent assaults. fundraisers that carry into the Fall, he • Recruit Training Regiment HQ, Free childcare will be available for There is no goal regarding how said. On Nov. 23, participating organiza- Bldg. 28 children 2 and older. To register, many toys to collect in the Toys for Tots tions will receive their distribution of toys. • Headquarters and Service HQ, call (619) 524-1200. campaign, according to Maj. Donald C. The organizations provide vehicles for the Bldg. 15 Prograis, supply officer, 4th Tank Battal- Marines to load the toys, and from there, • Support Battalion HQ, Bldg. 1 Cardiac risk screening ion, 4th Marine Division and officer-in- they distribute the toys. • Dental clinic, Bldg. 595 charge of the toy drive in San Diego. There are three large toy drives this • Medical clinic, Bldg. 596 Cardiac risk screenings will be “Last year, we collected 57,000 year in San Diego, said Prograis. The • Command Museum, Bldg. 26 held for active duty, reservists, retir- toys, and it doesn’t matter if we collect official kick-off event with family activities • Chaplain’s office, Bldg. 31 ees, DoD members and their guests 250,000 toys; as long as each child that and entertainment is scheduled for Nov. • Coast Guard HQ, Bldg. 394 Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the requests a toy gets one in his hands for 21 at 2 p.m. at the USS Midway Museum • Marine & Family Services, Bldg. 26 depot Fieldhouse. Participants can Christmas, then we’ve been successful.” at 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. • Family Readiness, Bldg. 6 East learn their heart disease risk fac- The Marines want to help as many During the Chargers’ game Nov. 29, toy tors, have their cholesterol, blood children as possible, said Prograis. bins will be placed around the stadium. “The depot has been a great sup- glucose, blood pressure, and body fat However, the program has mandatory On Dec. 10-11, NBC-7 will host their porter for many years,” said Gunnery Sgt. measured. Appointment times are registration. In order to receive toys, toy drive from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Second Ricardo V. Villanueva, a Toys for Tots every 15 minutes. Refreshments will requestors must first contact designated Avenue and Broadway in Horton Plaza. San Diego coordinator and supply chief, be provided. Register online at www. recreation centers and register. A list of The website also shows the various 4th Tanks Battalion, 4th Marine Division. mccssd.com. For information, contact the centers is available at the Toys for locations in San Diego where toys can be “Last year, it was impossible to count Andrea Callahan, Health Promotions Tots website at www.toysfortots.org. dropped off for donation until December all of the toys,” said Tim R. Cleator, com- coordinator, at (619) 524-8913 or at This year marks Toys for Tots’ 62nd 18. Boxes will be placed at the following mercial sponsorship specialist, Marine [email protected]. anniversary of giving toys to children depot locations: Corps Community Services Marketing. who may not have any to open on “We used a moving van-sized truck to Thanksgiving buffet Christmas and the campaign is well • Home Store, Bldg. 9 collect all of the toys from the depot. Last The depot’s Bay View Restau- underway. • Exchange, Bldg. 346 year was by far the best year in recent rant will host a Thanksgiving buffet Toy collection begins during the • Bay View Restaurant, Bldg. 132 history for collecting toys. Hopefully, with from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 26 summertime, but the drive doesn’t start • Recreation Center, Bldg. 590 the economy the way it is, we’ll be able to for active duty, reservists, retirees, to really take off until the end of Septem- • Field House, Bldg. 650 continue to help many more children this DoD personnel and their guests. ber, he said. The campaign starts several • 1st Battalion HQ, Bldg. 2 West year.” The price is $24.95 for adults and $12.50 for children ages 3 to 11. Children under 3 years old eat free. Traditional Thanksgiving dishes Halloween and trimmings will be served. For information and reservations, call happiness (619) 725-6388. Semper Fit Strolling Children got the opportunity to show Semper Fit Strolling classes are off their Halloween open to authorized depot person- finery at the depot’s nel Mondays and Wednesdays Fall Festival Oct. 31. from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Fit- Children 3 to 5 years ness Center. For information, call old participated in a (619)524-4427 or (619) 524-8465. costume contest with a new costume as Single Marine Program the prize. The Marine The Single Marine Program Corps Community Ser- plans on and off base activities and vices funded the Fall community involvement for single Festival for all mili- Marines and sailors. tary and Department The program supports the overall of Defense civilians quality of life of our Marines and on the installation. sailors. It encourages the planning Their goal was to help of recreational and social activities provide a safe Hallow- and offers them the opportunity een for participating to participate in and contribute to military families. their communities. Pfc. Lauren Stehwien/Chevron Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month at 3:30 PM at the Recreation Center, Bldg. 590. This meeting is for activ- ity and event planning as well as addressing quality of life issues for all MCRD single Marines and sailors. Free pizza and soda will be provided for all attendees. Volunteers needed for tele- vised spots Marine Corps Community Ser- vices televises “What’s Happening at MCCS,” a weekly segment on upcoming events throughout the depot and is looking for volunteers to narrate. Candidates can be active military, DoD civilians, or mili- tary dependants aboard the depot. Taping takes 30 minutes reading a prepared script. For information, contact Rachel Landolt, MCCS Coordinator, at landoltrr@usmc- mccs.org. Send briefs to: [email protected]. The Chevron staff reserves the right to publish only those briefs that comply with Department of Defense regulations and the standards of the U.S. Government. CHEVRON ~ NEWS AND COMMENTARY ~ NOVEMBER 4, 2009 3 Fleet Week 2009 wraps up after successful run by Cpl. Shawn Dickens to successfully complete its Chevron staff missions. The Marines, sailors and s the month of Coast Guardsmen who live October comes to and work in the area also an end so does Fleet volunteer their time out in Week 2009. Since town to help support the com- A1995 Fleet Week San Diego munity that does so much to has been the nation’s largest support them, from leading tribute to service members scout troops to building or who have dedicated their lives repairing homes for the less to the nation’s freedom and fortunate. way of life. This years fleet Week The success of Fleet Week events included the Coronado San Diego relies heavy on the Speed Festival; Marine Corps partnership between the local Air Station Miramar Calif., community and the military airshow; the parade of Navy services stationed in the area. ships and exhibits; the Marine Without the immense support Corps Recruit Depot Boot The Canadian Snow Birds perform high-flying acrobatics in formation during the Marine Corps Air of the San Diego community Camp Challenge; various rec- the military would not be able ognition events; and concerts. Station Miramar Air Show, Oct. 3. Cpl. Jose Nava/Chevron

The Marine Corps Recruit Depot Color Guard performs during the Enlisted Rec- Marine Band San Diego, under the direction of CWO2 Jack K. Davis, play to a ognition Luncheon at Sea World San Diego, Sept. 30. Cpl. Shawn Dickens/Chevron packed crowd during the Star Spangled Salute, Aug. 15. Cpl. Shawn Dickens/Chevron

A car races in one of two separate drifting competitions during the Coronado Speed Festival, Sept. 26 and 27. Spectators got a chance to observe hot rods, porches and Formula 1 race cars compete on the air field of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. Pfc. Dustin Hamby/Chevron

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR COMBAT CORRESPONDENTS chevron/public affairs office Maj. Christopher B. Logan Cpl. Shawn Dickens 1600 henderson ave. #120 Cpl. Matthew Brown san diego, ca. 92140 DEPUTY DIRECTOR Lance Cpl. Rebecca Lamont (619) 524-8722 ESTABLISHED 1942 Janice M. Hagar Pfc. Dustin Hamby The Chevron, printed with appropriated funds in compliance with Marine Pfc. Lauren Stehwien Corps order P5600.31F, is published by Marine Corps Recruit Depot San COMMANDING GENERAL PUBLIC AFFAIRS CHIEF Diego personnel. Opinions and views expressed herein are not necessar- Brig. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey Gunnery Sgt. Laura Gawecki EDITOR ily those of the Marine Corps or the Department of Defense. The Chevron Roger Edwards is promulgated for informational purposes only and in no way should be SERGEANT MAJOR PRESS CHIEF Mail comments to: considered directive in nature. All photos are official USMC property unless Sgt. Maj. Brian K. Jackson Sgt. Carrie C. Booze [email protected] otherwise indicated. 4 CHEVRON ~ FEATURE ~ NOVEMBER 4, 2009

Recruit Belleau Wood was happy to finally receive her eagle, globe and anchor during. This effectively estab- lishers her as a private in the United States Marine Corps. Pfc. Dustin Hamby/Chevron Puppy learns the Marine Corps way by Cpl. Wayne Edmiston Chevron staff

Any Marine, past or present, can attest to one fact when they remi- nisce about their time during recruit training: it is not easy to be a recruit. For Recruit Belleau Wood, the future mascot of Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, it is no different. Very few English bulldogs will ever experience what Bella has expe- rienced, to include rappelling from a 60-foot tower or swimming in an Olympic size pool. But she’s had the unique experience of sampling what it take to earn the title Marine. Bella is just another recruit with Platoon 1011, Company A, but many things set her apart, including her four legs and furry frame. But what Bella does and will do during her tenure at the depot is reflected on the faces of the Marines and sailors she encounters daily. “I think having Bella is tremendous for the morale here. You espe- cially notice it when one of the Marines walks by and their faces change,” explained Chief Petty Officer Patrick W. Mondragon, senior enlisted advisor, religious ministries, MCRD San Diego. “I see the roughest and toughest Marines bend down and pet her, coming out of their shell and showing their loving nature.” She still gets into the typical trouble of a canine infant, but more and more everyday, her discipline is beginning to grow. Just like her fellow Recruit Belleau Wood, slated to assume depot mascot duties this month, is introduced to a Marine Corps Martial recruits in Company A. Arts Program hold by her instructor, Sgt. Gehrig A. Buck, drill instructor, Platoon 1010, Company A, during tan Staff Sgt. Ismael Alicea served as Bella’s chief drill instructor and was belt training Sept. 9. Cpl. Matthew Brown/Chevron responsible for making a lot of her training possible. Many adaptations

Recruit Belleau Wood carries her supply of ammunition towards the firing line at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 16. Even as a puppy, Bella was required to participate in grass week and firing week with her fellow recruits. Cpl. Jose Nava/Chevron Recruit Belleau Wood, Platoon 1011, Company A, sounds off with her fellow recruits prior to stepping off for morning chow. Cpl. Matthew CHEVRON ~ FEATURE ~ NOVEMBER 4, 2009 5

Recruit Belleau Wood was happy to finally receive her eagle, globe and anchor during. This effectively estab- lishers her as a private in the United States Marine Corps. Pfc. Dustin Hamby/Chevron Recruit Belleau Wood, left, gets her orders from Cpl. Molly Marine, Oct. 22. While Molly is the depot’s current mascot, Bella will assume those duties later this month in a post and relief ceremony. Cpl. Wayne Edmiston/Chevron Puppy learns the Marine Corps way by Cpl. Wayne Edmiston needed to be made to help the disadvantaged recruit along. Chevron staff “Training the mascot definitely made things interesting,” he said. “Her platoon’s drill instructors were all about it,” said Alicea. “I see training her Any Marine, past or present, can attest to one fact when they remi- as a privilege. It is not everyday you get to train one of the depot’s mascots nisce about their time during recruit training: it is not easy to be a recruit. and it will be something I will talk about later on in life.” For Recruit Belleau Wood, the future mascot of Marine Corps Recruit Last week served as the final week of her training, and she is tying Depot, San Diego, it is no different. up loose ends on learning her role as the mascot for the depot. She will Very few English bulldogs will ever experience what Bella has expe- replace Cpl. Molly Marine, the depot’s current mascot, who has served for rienced, to include rappelling from a 60-foot tower or swimming in an more than seven years. Normal medical issues that come with an aging Olympic size pool. But she’s had the unique experience of sampling what bulldog are what will cause Molly to be relieved of her mascot duties to it take to earn the title Marine. live out the remainder of her years as a household pet. Bella is just another recruit with Platoon 1011, Company A, but many The last week of recruit training is known as Marine Week and things set her apart, including her four legs and furry frame. includes the Battalion Commander’s Inspection, Family Day, and Gradu- But what Bella does and will do during her tenure at the depot is ation. During this week, Marines are instructed in some of the recruit reflected on the faces of the Marines and sailors she encounters daily. behaviors that are no longer appropriate after boot camp, such as referring “I think having Bella is tremendous for the morale here. You espe- to one’s self in the third person. Their final photos are taken, and they will cially notice it when one of the Marines walks by and their faces change,” prepare for their ten days of leave. explained Chief Petty Officer Patrick W. Mondragon, senior enlisted This is no exception for Bella, because she will practice for her respon- advisor, religious ministries, MCRD San Diego. “I see the roughest and sibilities during the depot’s graduations and will officially replace Molly toughest Marines bend down and pet her, coming out of their shell and in a formal post and relief ceremony during the annual cake-cutting showing their loving nature.” ceremony Nov. 10. At her current rate, she is averaging a pound of weight She still gets into the typical trouble of a canine infant, but more and gain weekly and continues to grow into her boots as a United States more everyday, her discipline is beginning to grow. Just like her fellow Marine. recruits in Company A. As her fellow recruits follow their individual paths in the Corps, Bella Staff Sgt. Ismael Alicea served as Bella’s chief drill instructor and was will remain at the depot to perform her duties and put smiles on the faces responsible for making a lot of her training possible. Many adaptations of her fellow Marines.

Recruit Belleau Wood gains confidence after rappelling off of the 60-foot rappel tower aboard the depot, Oct. 23. Her success in this task was one of the requirements for her to complete recruit training and become a Marine. Cpl. Wayne Edmiston/Chevron

Recruit Belleau Wood, Platoon 1011, Company A, sounds off with her fellow recruits prior to stepping off for morning chow. Cpl. Matthew 6 CHEVRON ~ RECRUIT FEATURE ~ NOVEMBER 4, 2009 Sniper swaps scope for smoky bear

by Pfc. Lauren Stehwien Survival school, a three-week course taken Chevron staff at the pool facility on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., where Marines “Success is something you have to are conditioned to be able to swim to strive for, something you have to want,” increase their endurance and to improve said Staff Sgt. Joseph Alvarez, senior their water rescue techniques. drill instructor, Platoon 1011, Company “Due to how the Marines train as they A. Success is exactly what Alvarez has play, there were many situations during achieved. deployments where I was scared, but the In the 10 years Alvarez has been in training helped me overcome my fears the Marine Corps he has already accom- and do as I was trained,” said Alvarez. plished incredible feats. In boot camp, This was proven when Alvarez was Alvarez focused on being an effective awarded the Navy and Marine Corps leader and the best recruit he could be, he commendation medal during a deploy- said. ment to Iraq. During that deployment His drill instructors immediately one of Alvarez’s pointmen went down noticed his efforts and gave him the and was lying in a courtyard. This Recruit Christian S. Copeland, Platoon 1009, Co. A, is following in his brother’s billet of platoon guide. The guide is the prompted Alvarez to gather another team footprints. Sgt. Willie L. Copeland distinguished himself as a Marine in battle, earn- recruit held responsible for all of the other so they could cover and help resuscitate ing the Navy Cross and having a Crucible obstacle name after his engagement. Pfc. recruits and must be squared away and the wounded Marine. After the wounded Dustin R. Hamby/ Chevron always put forth his best effort. Alvarez Marine was evacuated, Alvarez and his said he pushed himself to his limit, which team successfully reengaged the enemy. eventually paid off as was named com- After many deployments around the High shooter’s family keeps him on target pany honorman. world, Alvarez decided to fulfill his desires After graduating from boot camp and become a drill instructor because he by Pfc. Dustin R. Hamby a certain bravado and a crazy Copeland said he loves Alvarez was sent to the School of Infantry wanted to contribute to the future of the Chevron staff look in your eyes.” hunting big game, and that he Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Marine Corps. As with most recruits, can hunt anything from deer Calif., for training as an infantryman. “I wanted to teach the recruits that As the younger brother Copeland was worried about to elk. During SOI, the senior members of they can become better no matter what of a Navy Cross recipient, completing boot camp. He “I prefer to go find the Alvarez’s command took notes on who background they come from, there’s Recruit Christian S. Cope- said he did not know what to game,” he said. “I load up my they believed would be suitable to become always hope for the future,” Alvarez said. land, Platoon 1009, Company expect until his older brother pack and disappear into the a scout sniper. A scout sniper is a highly Staff Sgt. Ismael Alicea, chief drill A, has a lot to live up to. explained it to him. forest.” trained Marine who stalks the enemy instructor, Co. A, said Alvarez was a good His brother, Sgt. Willie What Copeland did not Copeland said when he and suits up to do what it takes in order Marine and a good leader to his recruits. L. Copeland, was assigned expect was when he was on went on one of these trips to help protect his fellow Marines. The In the years spent in the Marine Corps, to Sniper Element Leader as the Crucible, he would be part he found a huge elk on a course to is vigorous with an average Alvarez has not lost his drive to succeed. team leader, 2nd Platoon, of a tribute to his brother. mountaintop that paled in failure rate of 80 percent, which means “To this day I will push myself and Company B, 1st Reconnais- Each station in the Cru- comparison to the little hills the senior members must be very selective plan to continue my years in the Marine sance Battalion, 1st Marine cible is named after a service- the recruits climb on the in choosing students for the course. Corps until my job loses its fun, which I Division, in support of member who was an award Crucible. Alvarez met all requirements to be don’t see happening any time soon,” he Operation Iraqi Freedom on recipient. Before attacking Sgt. Chris P. Hoover, drill able to attend the scout sniper course. said. April 7, 2004. the obstacle, the recruits are instructor, Platoon 1009, Co. Therefore, upon graduation from SOI he “My brother was attacked read the award citation and A, said that these kinds of life had to first complete the indoctrination by nearly 60 insurgents,” said given time to reflect on the experiences, such as such as phase. During the three-week course, the Copeland. “He then had the circumstances in which the being an excellent marksman Marines complete physical fitness tests; courage to push through an award was given. will help Copeland when he is swim qualification; learn Marine Corps open field and charge toward “Copeland’s Revenge is out in the fleet. knowledge; and complete the obstacle the enemy. After he saw that named after my brother,” he Although he enjoys the course; how to plan and execute a mis- his commanding officer had said. “It’s the best obstacle solitude of hunting, he is sion; and land navigation. been knocked down he told here. You have to be calculat- a generous and well-liked Following the indoctrination phase, everyone else to stay back, ing and watch what you are recruit. Alvarez went to Okinawa, Japan, to and then he ran to the aid of doing on this obstacle.” “Copeland put the other complete a jungle land navigation course. the captain.” Like his brother’s conflict recruits at ease,” Hoover said. During this course he not only worked Without regard for his in Iraq, Copeland’s Revenge “He was able to help others on perfecting land navigation, but also own personal safety, Cope- consists of buddy rushes and when they were discouraged practiced shooting. land stabilized and evacuated movements under fire to a or upset.” Alvarez then moved on to Survival his commanding officer to a designated check point while As Copeland works his Escape Resistance Evasion training where safe area. He then conducted wearing flak jackets and way to the fleet, he will take he was taught how to survive captors and the withdrawal of his team Kevlar helmets. ten days of leave and then how to resist interrogation by captors. from their covered positions Copeland attained a attend the School of Infantry After completing the courses, Alvarez through the use of hand coveted title as well. He is at Marine Corps Base Camp was finally able to attend scout sniper grenades, according to the an enthusiastic hunter, so it Pendleton, Calif., where he school, which is a 13-week course at citation. came as no surprise to him will attend a three-month Camp Pendleton where the Marines are Copeland, a Smithfield, that he became the company school to become an infantry- taught how to shoot, patrol, and stalk the Utah native, said he is very high shooter by qualifying on man. He looks forward to enemy. proud of his brother who put the rifle range with a score of requesting entry into the “During the stalking training, Marines himself in harms way to help 330 out of 350. challenging reconnaissance are told to blend in with their environ- others Copeland, who loved to school. ment in order to make a successful kill “It takes a certain type hunt in the snowy mountains “I want to find ways to then to promptly get out of the immediate of character for you to pull of Utah, used similar shooting better myself,” he said. “I danger area,” Alvarez said. Staff Sgt. Joseph Alvarez, drill yourself through that kind mechanisms on his hunting stand firmly in the belief that Even after scout sniper school, Alva- instructor, Co. A., watches recruits of situation,” said Copeland. rifle as on the M-16A4 service I should know myself and rez’s training still wasn’t over. He went on while they participate in a Crucible “You have to be able to have rifle. seek self improvement.” to Marine Combat Instructor of Water obstacle. Pfc. Lauren Stehwien/Chevron

Col. Lori E. Reynolds commander; operations officer; and radio to Camp Pendleton to serve with the 9th Division and as a division chief. In March officer. Communication Battalion, 1st Surveillance, 2009, she assumed command of the I MEF In August 1990, Reynolds was reassigned Reconnaissance, and Intelligence Group, I Headquarters Group at Camp Pendleton. Parade Reviewing Officer to Marine Wing Communications Squadron Marine Expeditionary Force. While there, Her hometown is Baltimore, Md. 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, she served as assistant operations officer and Col Lori E. Reynolds was commissioned Japan, and was the Detachment Alpha commanding officer of Company B. in the Marine Corps in May 1986 after executive officer for nine months before From June 1997 to June 2000, Reynolds graduating from the United States Naval assuming command of the detachment for commanded Recruiting Station Harrisburg, Academy. Upon graduation from The three months. In August 1991, Reynolds Pa., 4th Marine Corps District. She Basic School in 1987, Reynolds attended was reassigned to the Marine Corps Systems attended the Naval War College from the Basic Communication Officer’s Command in Quantico, Va. August 2000 until June 2001. From June Course at Quantico, Va., and was assigned From September 1991 until June 1994, 2001 to May 2003, she was assigned as the military occupational specialty of Reynolds was a telecommunications action officer and deputy division head communications officer. systems project officer at the Marine Corps for Strategic Plans Division, Command, Reynolds’ first duty assignment Systems Command. While there, she Control, Communications, and Computers was with Communications Company, worked primarily on item management, Department, Headquarters Marine Corps, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine procurement, research and development, Washington, D.C. Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Serving and maintenance of Marine Corps’ Reynolds assumed command of 9th initially as communications watch communications security systems. Communication Battalion, I MEF in June officer at the Base Communication From July 1994 to May 1995, Reynolds 2003, and deployed in support of Operation Center as part of the Fleet Assistance attended the Command and Control Systems Iraqi Freedom II, from February 2004 to Program, Reynolds later returned to the Course, Marine Corps University, Quantico, March 2005. Reynolds graduated from the Division Communications Co., where Va. After graduation, she served as a Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., in 2006. she served from May 1988 until August candidate platoon commander for Company From 2006 to 2008 Reynolds was 1990 as communication center platoon C, Officer Candidate School in Quantico. assigned to the Joint Staff, J6 in Washington commander; multichannel platoon In September 1995, Reynolds returned D.C., as a desk officer in Current Operations CHEVRON ~ GRADUATING COMPANY ~ NOVEMBER 4, 2009 7

Platoon 1013 Platoon 1009 Platoon 1010 Platoon 1011 Platoon 1014 Platoon 1015 Platoon 1009 Platoon 1014 COMPANY HONOR MAN SERIES HONOR MAN PLATOON HONOR MAN PLATOON HONOR MAN PLATOON HONOR MAN PLATOON HONOR MAN HIGH SHOOTER (330) HIGH PFT (300) Lance Cpl. J. B. Liller Pfc. A. C. Cortez Pfc. J. C. Duarte Pfc. B. D. Mutchler Pfc. A. D. Marino Pfc. M. B. Marks Pvt. C. S. Copeland Pfc. J. E. Rose San Diego Amarillo, Texas Indianapolis Modesto, Calif. Portland, Ore. Phoenix Smithfield, Utah Everett, Wash. Recruited by Recruited by Recruited by Recruited by Recruited by Recruited by Marksmanship Instructor Recruited by Sgt. J. R. Simsuangco Sgt. A. Whipplemendo Staff Sgt. A. M. Grady Staff Sgt. C. D. Millard Sgt. M. D. Carpio Staff Sgt. T. A. Hayes Sgt. P. Peterson Staff Sgt. P. A. Herrera ALPHA COMPANY 1ST RECRUIT TRAINING Pvt. P. Lewis Jr. Pvt. M. J. Lee Pfc. M. R. Scott Pvt. C. D. Walding Staff Sgt. M. A. Brown BATTALION Pvt. E. R. Longstreth Pfc. J. A. Lopez Pvt. T. J. Staats III Pvt. M. J. Winston Staff Sgt. P. J. Cubacaro Commanding Officer Pvt. A. J. Lopez Pvt. S. R. Lulloff *Pfc. B. M. Weber Staff Sgt. G. F. Pereira Lt. Col. C. M. Cromwell Pvt. R. Lopez Jr. *Pfc. M. A. Partridge PLATOON 1014 Sergeant Major Pfc. J. R. Lozano Pvt. M. L. Preuss SERIES 1013 Senior Drill Instructor Pvt. E. C. Addy Sgt. Maj. K. D. Williams Pvt. J. M. Malinowski Pvt. J. E. Schroeder Series Commander Sgt. A. B. Ignacio Pvt. C. M. Castaneda Chaplain Pvt. T. W. Malone Pfc. B. M. Shank Capt. C. M. Anderson Drill Instructors Pvt. J. W. Gormley Lt. D. J. Carlson, USN Pvt. C. Marin Pvt. M. P. Tutu Chief Drill Instructor Sgt. A. L. Davenport Pfc. B. H. Johnson Battalion Drill Master Pvt. I. P. Martinez Staff Sgt. B. M. Alfaro Sgt. J. J. Rodriguez Pvt. D. C. Kile Jr. Staff Sgt. M. A. Harris Pvt. D. M. Miller PLATOON 1011 Sgt. D. G. Walters Pvt. K. C. Klemetson Pfc. L. Moore Senior Drill Instructor PLATOON 1013 Pvt. C. S. Kroeker COMPANY A Pvt. T. Newsome Staff Sgt. J. Alvarez Senior Drill Instructor Pvt. G. T. Adkisson Pvt. R. J. Lee Commanding Officer Pfc. R. J. Pequeno Drill Instructors Staff Sgt. M. D. Clark Pvt. P. T. Albee Pfc. M. B. Marks Capt. G. T. Mouer Pfc. E. M. Sarles Staff Sgt. J. Johnson Drill Instructors Pvt. Z. M. Boyle Pvt. J. T. Martinez Company First Sergeant Sgt. C. Hoover Staff Sgt. R. Cezair Pvt. J. Cardona *Pfc. J. L. McCarthy 1st Sgt. S. J. Beacham PLATOON 1010 Sgt. J. Rice Staff Sgt. G. Galvan Pfc. A. D. Davis II Pvt. A. V. Medina Senior Drill Instructor Staff Sgt. M. B. Thomas Pfc. M. A. Gosh Pfc. J. L. Meza SERIES 1009 Staff Sgt. C. I. MacLeod Pfc. S. G. Adams Pfc. R. J. Govea Pvt. C. A. Miller Series Commander Drill Instructors Pvt. S. P. Alexander II Pvt. J. P. Anderson Pvt. J. E. Grigsby Pfc. B. D. Moreland Capt. J. E. Rose Sgt. G. A. Buck Pvt. K. D. Anderson Pfc. A. J. Bacon Pfc. A. M. Grothem Pvt. M. J. Moruza Chief Drill Instructor Sgt. F. G. Pacheco Pvt. A. E. Anglin *Pfc. C. A. Bahl Pvt. T. Guijarro Pvt. K. T. Nelson Staff Sgt. I. Alicea Sgt. J. A. Thompson Pvt. L. G. Atherton Pvt. K. D. Bennet Pvt. J. R. Hernandez Pvt. J. E. Paddock Pvt. M. A. Aulerich Pvt. A. W. Connelly Pfc. J. R. Ingram Pvt. C. E. Panipinto PLATOON 1009 Pfc. M. W. Aich Pfc. R. H. Barrett Pvt. S. J. Crandall Pvt. S. Kim Pvt. D. W. Parson Jr. Senior Drill Instructor *Pfc. B. R. Amosa Pfc. D. M. Bennett Pvt. M. J. Czyzewski Pvt. D. W. Kitson Pvt. J. M. Payton Gunnery Sgt. P. G. Perez Pvt. S. A. Arellano Pvt. M. A. Berger Pvt. M. A. Dasovich Pfc. C. R. Klein Pfc. A. K. Peeples Jr. Pvt. A. Ascencio Pvt. D. A. Bicard Pfc. D. Diaz Pvt. B. A. Klonowski Pvt. J. L. Protteau Drill Instructors Pvt. A. J. Ash Pfc. K. A. Blanke Pvt. P. T. Dowell Pvt. B. J. Landis Jr. Pfc. C. T. Ramirez Gunnery Sgt. M. P. Garcia Pfc. T. J. Bailey Pvt. D. C. Blinks Pfc. A. L. Elwood Pvt. H. Lao Pfc. F. Ramos Sgt. R. W. Randolph Pfc. J. M. Bayley Pvt. R. J. Bragdon Pvt. J. D. Feldbusch Pfc. C. D. Little Pvt. L. J. Renfield Pvt. J. K. Begg Pvt. M. Bravo Pfc. W. A. Fleming Jr. Pvt. R. A. Lopez *Pfc. A. Reyna Pfc. K. T. Abplanalp Pvt. B. C. Blanc Pvt. J. J. Bronson Pvt. T. R. Fortson Pvt. Z. E. Love Pvt. K. J. Roberts Pfc. C. T. Aicher Pfc. P. P. Blazewick Pfc. A. D. Bruce Pvt. N. A. Funk Pvt. E. W. Lunau Pvt. C. Rodriguez *Pfc. T. T. Anderson Pvt. J. A. Brellenthin Pvt. M. L. Canen Pfc. D. R. Gillis Pfc. T. C. Lynch Pvt. D. K. Rodriguez Pvt. J. M. Bautista Pfc. J. S. Cannon Pfc. L. D. Chanmanivong Pvt. W. L. Gillman Pvt. C. W. Machen Pvt. S. M. Rutherford Pfc. C. A. Beebe Pvt. B. H. Carrell Pvt. C. M. Chidester Pvt. S. M. Graziano *Pfc. A. D. Marino Pfc. D. P. Rutten Pvt. G. L. Bird Pvt. L. A. Castaned Jr. Pvt. D. J. Coloso Pvt. T. J. Guglielmino Pvt. S. A. Martin Pvt. C. J. Salley Pvt. B. S. Blacka Pvt. J. Castillo Pvt. C. D. Cooper Pvt. K. P. Gunn Pvt. I. Martinez Pvt. F. A. Sandoval Pvt. J. F. San Martin Pvt. M. A. Blanchard Pvt. F. A. Cervantes Pvt. B. S. Couey Pvt. L. A. Gutierrez Pfc. T. L. Martinson Pvt. M. R. McCart Pfc. J. Sarti III Pvt. B. E. Brookshier Pfc. M. A. Chauira Pvt. J. T. Cummings Pvt. D. K. Haberman Pfc. B. S. McGinn Pvt. R. S. Sartor *Pfc. S. L. Brown Pvt. P. E. Christensen Pvt. T. C. Diaz Pvt. J. L. Hembree Pfc. C. A. McKinnon Pvt. P. R. Schmardebek Pfc. D. J. Canyock Pvt. M. A. Collins Pvt. J. P. Dickerson Pfc. L. D. Jeffrey Pvt. S. D. McMan Pvt. A. L. Schwarz Pfc. B. C. Cassidy Pvt. D. A. Davila *Pfc. J. D. Diekevers Pvt. C. R. Johnson Pvt. C. R. Meeker Pvt. J. C. Smith Pvt. K. S. Castleman Pvt. G. J. Dawson Pvt. J. A. Dingman Pvt. B. R. Jones Pvt. H. K. Miller Pfc. R. D. Stoddard Pvt. N. J. Collins Pvt. J. A. Dearment Pvt. J. L. Dixon *Pfc. J. S. Landry Pfc. A. Morales Pfc. E. J. Stonge Pfc. S. D. Cook Pvt. T. De La Cruz Pvt. A. S. Duer *Lance Cpl. J. B. Liller Pvt. C. D. Moser Pfc. M. L. Sumampong Pvt. C. S. Copeland Pfc. J. Z. Delgado Pvt. B. A. Dysinger Pvt. G. D. Lopez Pvt. T. Z. Munoz IV Pvt. C. P. Sunnenberg *Pfc. A. C. Cortez Pfc. L. A. Diamond Pvt. J. Fantauzzi Pvt. J. A. Lopez Pvt. H. Q. Nguyen Pvt. M. J. Tanner Pvt. Z. A. Crawford Pvt. A. S. Dietze Pfc. J. T. Fitch Pfc. M. A. Love Pfc. K. J. Patterson Pfc. J. C. Tapia Pvt. N. J. Daniel Pvt. K. A. Doeschot Pvt. E. W. Folnsbee Pvt. R. Martinez Jr. Pvt. M. A. Peterson Pfc. D. D. Taylor Pvt. C. De Casas Pvt. T. W. Drake Pvt. J. M. Foster Pvt. R.O. Martinez *Pfc. C. K. Polson Pfc. J. W. Thompson Pfc. C. W. De Hoog *Pfc. J. C. Duarte Pvt. D. C. Garber Pvt. T. J. Matchell Pvt. J. L. Powers Pvt. M. D. Timberlake Pfc. M. A. De La Torre Pvt. N. A. Durazo Pvt. N. J. Garcia Pvt. M. C. Mejstrik Pvt. J. R. Robinson Pfc. D. J. Traylor *Pfc. S. M. De Roche Pvt. C. J. Ellis Pvt. J. E. Germond Pvt. J. R. Mercer Pvt. E. M. Rodriguez Pvt. J. G. Treis Pfc. R. T. Devlin *Pfc. C. I. Fagen Pvt. J. A. Grebe Pvt. S. A. Miller Pfc. J. Rodriguez Pvt. J. D. Trujillo Pvt. E. S. Diaz Pvt. D. P. Faria DaCunha Pfc. M. S. Hale Pvt. T. Z. Novak Pfc. J. E. Rose *Pfc. B. K. Uehling Pvt. J. L. Downes Pvt. F. N. Fernandez Pvt. T. W. Hanson Pfc. S. Olveralayna Pfc. C. M. Samuels Pvt. M. J. Urbanski Pvt. A. D. Duggar Pvt. A. Flores Pvt. R. G. Harris Pvt. A. Perez *Pfc. J. L. Sanders Pvt. E. J. Ventura Pvt. C. W. Dugger *Pfc. S. D. Forsyth Pvt. Z. W. Hemphill Pvt. M. A. Perez Pvt. R. T. Sans Pfc. R. M. Villanueva Pvt. Z. B. Evridge Pvt. G. L. Fountain Pfc. W. A. Hernandez Pfc. M. C. Phillips Pvt. D. D. Scheurer Pfc. C. R. Walker Pfc. S. M. Fenton Pvt. J. L. Frazier Pvt. T. J. Hoffman Pvt. R. A. Pobocik Jr. Pfc. B. K. Sharma Pfc. E. D. Wallace Pfc. J. C. Fisher Pvt. J. K. Freeman Pvt. N. A. Holmes Pvt. B. P. Potter Pvt. K. A. Simpson Pvt. R. A. Walter Pfc. C. O. Flores Pvt. W. T. Frentz Pvt. S. I. Horowitz Pvt. G. C. Quick II Pvt. B. A. Sinnock Pvt. L. G. Warner Pvt. J. A. Frain Pvt. N. C. Fulkerson Pvt. P. A. Jacoby Pvt. M. A. Raimer Pvt. K. J. Snook *Pfc. J. B. Warren Pvt. K. D. Franklin Pfc. R. J. Galindo Pvt. L. R. Jasperson Pfc. C. D. Reynolds Jr. Pfc. A. J. Stangel Pvt. N. J. Wassel Pvt. A. R. Garcia Pvt. A. E. Gallagher Pvt. D. D. Johnson Pvt. A. T. Roark Pvt. D. E. Stayner Pvt. M. D. Watson Pvt. B. R. Garcia Pvt. S. A. Gamez Pvt. S. R. Kennedy Pvt. J. N. Rodgers Pfc. E. M. Steele Pvt. N. I. Webster Pfc. A. Garcia-Paez Pvt. E. C. Gibson-Whitaker Pvt. K. M. La Chance Pvt. J. L. Rodriguez Pvt. K. K. Sutterfield Pvt. C. D. Weise Pvt. S. I. Gonzalez Pvt. M. M. Gilbertson Pvt. D. Lara Jr. Pvt. E. Rojas Pvt. J. L. Tabares Pfc. C. W. Wellman Pvt. J. R. Greer Pvt. J. M. Gilley Pvt. J. E. Lehman Pvt. D. L. Roland Pvt. B. P. Taylor Pvt. O. M. Wiseman III Pvt. D. Guzman Pvt. A. M. Gonzales III Pvt. J. W. Lewis Pvt. S. A. Romero Pvt. R. J. Tenjum Pvt. R. D. Woodrum II Pvt. T. D. Hall Pvt. M. W. Graham Pvt. J. I. Lindow Pfc. J. R. Ronnfeldt Pfc. S. Terrazas Pvt. Z. A. Wovaver Pfc. P. J. Harbold Pvt. S. C. Grasso *Pfc. D. C. Maniago Pfc. F. J. Salazar Pfc. J. C. Veley Pfc. A. I. Yahya Pvt. J. S. Harden Pfc. C. M. Hale Pvt. D. A. Martin Pfc. R. H. Salazar Pvt. D. D. Velke Pvt. A. W. Yeager Pvt. M. Z. Harmond Pfc. B. D. Harris Pvt. E. P. Martin Pfc. J. Sanchez Pvt. J. J. Vera-Cruz Pvt. L. A. Yendrey Jr. Pfc. T. A. Hartman Pfc. L. S. Harris Pvt. P. R. Maxinoski Pvt. J. J. Schultz *Pfc. S. L. Watt Pfc. I. M. Young Pvt. D. A. Hekman Pvt. J. K. Heiserman Pfc. N. W. McConnell Pfc. G. J. Shriver Pvt. N. D. Werner Pvt. G. B. Hopper Pvt. N. K. Hodges Pvt. K. D. McCormick Pfc. V. M. Sierra Pvt. Z. D. West Pvt. J. A. Hudspeth Pvt. B. L. Hodgson Pvt. G. M. McIntyre Pvt. A. J. Siles Pvt. J. M. Wheeler Pvt. M. N. Hull Pvt. B. J. Hubbard Pvt. F. M. Medina Pfc. J. D. Slocum Pvt. R. C. Williamson Pvt. E. H. Jacober- Pvt. K. A. Hull Pvt. D. A. Melancon Pvt. C. M. Smith Pvt. T. T. Wilson * Denotes meritorious DeCarvalho Pfc. M. A. Hutton Pvt. K. W. Millard Pvt. K. M. Sorger Pfc. M. W. Wood Jr. promotion Pfc. C. A. Joaquin Pvt. D. E. Irvin Pvt. A. N. Montalvo Pvt. K. R. Sorrell Pvt. W. J. Woods Jr. Pfc. B. J. Johnson Pfc. B. K. Jacobson Pvt. C. W. Mulleneix Pvt. N. W. Stewart Pfc. L. G. Yandell Pvt. E. J. Kepfer Pvt. F. J. Jacquez Pvt. A. V. Munoz Pvt. D. L. Storment Pvt. J. R. Yount Pfc. Z. A. Kirk Pvt. D. A. Johnson *Pfc. B. D. Mutchler Pvt. A. M Strege Pvt. R. M. Kreeger Pvt. A. W. Jones Pfc. Y. A. Navarrette Pvt. L. B. Styles PLATOON 1015 Pvt. J. R. Lawler Pvt. L. S. Kayser Pvt. J. A. Ortiz Pvt. J. P. Suarez Senior Drill Instructor Pvt. R. J. Leon Pvt. J. M. Lambert Pvt. J. D. Patteson Pvt. S. L. Summers II Staff Sgt. M. M. Taylor Pvt. H. Lew Pvt. S. D. Larabee Pvt. J. A. Rice *Pfc. A. S. Tatum Drill Instructors 8 CHEVRON ~ FEATURE ~ NOVEMBER 4, 2009 Recruits body spar to test will, perseverance by Pfc. Dustin R. Hamby Riviere, Haiti, November 17, 1915. He Chevron staff engaged in hand-to-hand combat, the citation stated, when he discovered a “Are you going to kill him, or let him breach in Fort’s wall. Iams was able to kill you?” asked a field instructor to his effectively hold off the bandits from recruits. “I want to see good fighting! Do entering the Fort with nothing but his you understand?” bare hands. Recruits of Company A listened “This is a real life story of what we are attentively to Sgt. Edward J. Gonzalez, trying to simulate here,” said Gonzalez. field instructor, Weapons Field Train- “You need to understand the elements of ing Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp resisting the enemy. It is crucial that you Pendleton, Calif., as they prepared to know how to push them back with noth- body spar, Oct. 28. Many of them will not ing left but your two hands.” only be sparring for the first time in their Gonzalez said Marines cannot afford lives, they will be doing so after already to back down. The enemy will want to being fatigued, hungry and stressed from do anything possible to break down the the Crucible. The Crucible is a rigorous Marine’s defenses. 54-hour field training exercise demanding “Just like Iams, you need to know when the application of everything a recruit has to utilize your MCMAP (Marine Corps learned until that point in recruit train- martial Arts Program) techniques,” he ing. said. “It’s great if you know how to use The sparring event is broken into the M-16A4 service rifle, but if you can’t several Marine Corps Martial Arts and fight off an enemy with your bare hands, exercise stations surrounding the ring then you have a major weakness that can where they spar. If a recruit isn’t sparring be easily exploited.” or preparing to spar, he is busy in one of Recruit Nathan I. Webster, Platoon the exercises to ensure he has the proper 1009, Co. A, threw a swift right hook to fatigue level for a complete Crucible expe- Recruit Michael J. Moruza, Platoon 1009, rience. Co. A, and gave him a bloody nose. Body sparring comprises hand-to- “I was pumped before going in,” Web- hand combat. It is different from boxing ster said. “We (recruits) have waited since because rules allow punching only from the last MCMAP sessions to finally utilize the neck to the waist. No head contact is what we have learned in the ring.” allowed. Webster said he felt more natural at With camouflage paint caked on their body sparring because he did not feel faces and their green utility uniforms as constricted as when he fought pugil muddied, recruits stood at the position sticks. of attention as Gonzalez read the Medal “I can definitely understand how this of Honor citation for Sgt. Ross L. Iams is a critical aspect of combat,” he said. before beginning the station. “Your hands need to be just as deadly in Each station is named after a Medal close quarter combat as your rifle is at of Honor recipient. The recruits are read long distance.” the citation and given time to reflect on Gonzalez said hand-to-hand combat the circumstances of which the award was is a great way to be well-rounded. By Recruit Michael J. Wassell, Platoon 1009, Company A, received a bloody given before attacking the obstacle before training recruits and Marines in the fleet nose after sparring with Michael J. Urbansk, Platoon 1009, Co. A. No head them to shoot and use MCMAP techniques, he contact is allowed at the sparring event, however, bloody noses and bumps Iams was able to hold off a group of knows they will have basic competence in can occur. Pfc. Dustin Hamby/Chevron Caco bandits during an attack on Fort battle.

Recruits Nathan I. Webster and Michael J. Moruza, left, Platoon 1011, Company A, duke it out in the sparring ring. Before sparring, recruits listen to the Medal of Honor citation of Sgt. Ross L. Iams who, single-handedly, engaged in hand-to-hand combat with Caco bandits during the attack on Fort Riviere, Haiti, November 17, 1915. Pfc. Dustin Hamby/Chevron