Nov. 11, 2011

Volume 3 Issue 18

Happy

Birthday,236 Marinesth

Commandant’s Birthday Message Page 2 Welcome home Marines return from deployment Story and photos by eration Enduring Freedom. Cpl. Khoa Pelczar During the 7-month tour, Marines Staff Writer conducted numerous operations to MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP include combat logistics patrols, PENDLETON, Calif. – Families vehicle recovery missions, resupply and friends of more than 200 Marines missions and training the Afghan with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, National Army. 1st Marine Logistics Group, and its For the first time since its opening attachments waited here anxiously, the new 7th Engineer Support Oct. 26, to welcome home their he- Battalion barracks were packed. Friends and families of more than 200 Marines welcome home the returning roes who deployed to Afghanistan’s Loved ones waited patiently for the heroes at a homecoming aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 26. Helmand Province in support of Op- See Homecoming Page 3 Marines, sailors train Marine hangs up uniform after 30 years ...... Page 5 to save lives ECT prepares Marines for deployment ...... Page 6 Page 4 Inside Marines support 11th MEU ...... Page 8

Follow us on: HAPPENINGS

Motorcycle Safety Courses An advanced riders course will be held weekly, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. A basic rider’s course will be held weekly Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:00 Commandant’s Message a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Both courses will take place at Bldg. 200071. For ten years now, our Corps has been engaged in continuous For more information, call Kevin combat operations against those who threaten the security of Frantum at (760) 725-2897.

America and our allies. We turned the tide in the Anbar Province Lithium Battery Safe Storage of Iraq and continue to see success today in southwest Afghanistan. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendle- While it has come at a cost ... we have much to be proud of. ton announced new lithium battery storage and handling procedures due to serveral fires that have oc- This past year in operations around the world including curred within the last few years caused by improper storage of humanitarian disaster relief, counter-piracy, theater security these batteries. Lithium batteries cooperation, special operations, counter-insurgency and many more, shall be stored in a cool, dry loca- you continued to solidify our place as America’s expeditionary force tion. If personnel have any reason to believe that a battery is venting, in readiness. Since the Continental Congress created two battalions they should evacuate the area im- of Marines 236 years ago, our legacy as an ever-ready, ever capable, mediately and contact the base’s victory producing organization remains intact. Emergency Dispatch Team at (760) 725-3333.

Our rich heritage of selfless service and fidelity to nation and to Book Signing Don Mann, author of ‘Inside one another lives on in all who currently wear the eagle, globe SEAL Team Six,’ will hold a book and anchor - those who have answered the clarion call to duty signing at the Country Store, Camp with remarkable courage, dedication and unshakable resolve that Pendleton, Calif., 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Marines are so well known for. To all Marines – past and present Nov. 18. – and especially to our families ... I extend my deep gratitude for all Thanksgiving Day Feast you have done and all you continue to do. The Single Marine Program will provide free food for all service members aboard Camp Pendleton, As we celebrate our 236th birthday, let us look forward to future Calif., starting 11 a.m., Nov. 24. Service members can come to any challenges – whatever they may be – and reaffirm our pledge to be SMP center on base to enjoy their America’s premier crisis response force; to be the first to fight ... feast. For more information, call always ready for the toughest and most challenging assignments. (760) 725-6722.

Happy birthday Marines and Semper Fidelis.

Gen. James F. Amos Commandant of the Marine Corps U.S. Marine Corps

Commanding General Sergeant Major brig. gen. John j. broadmeadow sgt. maj. antonio vizcarrondo jr.

public affairs officers combat correspondents 1st lt. jeremy mclean cpl. michele watson 2nd lt. tyler morrison cpl. khoa pelczar Follow us on: lance cpl. jerrick griffin pfc. timothy childers public affairs chief staff sgt. jennifer brofer contact us: 760-763-7795 [email protected]

The Convoy Page 2 November 11, 2011 HOMECOMING continued from Page 1 arrival of the troops, including the family of Staff Sgt. Derick Kneeland, motor transport operator, CLB-7, 1st MLG. They couldn’t wait for him to meet his 3-month-old son for the first time. “I’m more excited for him to see our son than for myself,” said Kneeland’s wife, Crystal, from Dallas. “He has already missed so much, I doubt that he would want to do anything else but be with Ethan.” Besides his wife, Kneeland’s mother and grandmother drove for 12 hours from Utah to share this moment. His brother Michael also flew in from Texas to welcome him home. “It’s going to be great,” said Teresa, Kneeland’s grandmother. “We’ve been praying Sgt. Jerry Pickron, from Vidor, Texas, motor transport operator, Combat Logistics Battalion for his safe return. Now he can finally hold his 7, 1st Marine Logistics Group, kisses his wife after seven months apart, at the 7th Engineer son and see him face to face.” Support Battalion homecoming aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 26. As the buses pulled up, the loved ones rose to their feet and Crystal prepared to find her “I want some steak,” said Kneeland, who I’ve missed so much already,” said Pickron, from husband in the sea of camouflage. deployed as part of the Embedded Partnering Vidor, Texas. “I just want to play with my daughter. The moment the bus opened its door, Team to train the Afghan National Army. “I don’t That’s all I can think of right now.” Kneeland, from Dallas, immediately reunited care where as long as I can have some. But for Being separated from their loved ones during with his family, rushing over to hold his baby now, I just want to go home with my family.” deployment tours has always been one of the most boy in his arms. He was lost in his son’s eyes, as Kneeland might have missed the birth of his difficult aspects of deployment, but for some it if nothing else mattered and it was just him and first son, but he wasn’t the only one who was has became a part of their everyday lives. his son in the entire world. longing to see their kids. Sgt. Jerry Pickron, motor “It was harder this time around with him missing Kneeland was so excited to see his son that transport operator, CLB-7, 1st MLG, was also the birth of our first child,” Crystal said. “But the he couldn’t think of anything else he wanted to thrilled to see his 18-month-old daughter after separation gets easier as you get used to it through do at that moment but be with Ethan. After a spending the past seven months in Afghanistan. our journey together. You begin to accept the fact while, he finally calmed down and decided the “I left to go on deployment three days before her that it’s a part of their career. I’m just glad that it’s first thing he would do. first birthday. She’s so big now and I can’t believe over and he got home safely to us.”

Staff Sgt. Derick Kneeland, motor transport operator, Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 1st Marine Logistics Sgt. Brad Loyd, from Rockmart, Ga., combat engineer, Bravo Company, 7th Engineer Group, meets his 3-month-old son for the first time Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, holds his daughter for the first time in at the 7th Engineer Support Battalion homecoming seven months at 7th ESB’s homecoming aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 26. More than aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 26. 200 Marines with 1st MLG returned home after a 7-month deployment to Afghanistan. The Convoy Page 3 November 11, 2011 A simulated improvised explosive device detonates during the first Operational Medical Symposium at Naval Medical Center San Diego, Oct. 28. Marines, sailors learn to save lives in combat Story and photos by which the sailors had to treat, as in- Pfc. Timothy Childers structors sprayed fake blood on the Staff Writer wounds and their faces. NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER Many of the Marines and sailors SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Exploding who have seen combat found that the fireballs and corpsmen screaming realism of the training reflected what from the top of their lungs set the they had experienced overseas. scene as Marines and sailors took “I have had a similar experience part in the first Operational Medical while deployed in Afghanistan,” Symposium here Oct. 28, in which said Petty Officer 2nd Class Bran- service members simulated treating don B. Brown, corpsman, Simula- casualties in a combat environment. tion Center, NMCSD. “The simula- Marines and sailors from 1st tion was very realistic. It’s essential Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Lo- for the [Marines and sailors] train- gistics Group, joined by corpsmen ing to have a level of realism so from Naval Medical Center San Di- they will be ready when it counts.” ego, provided training and education To simulate the stress of com- to the active duty staff of NMCSD, bat, the instructors screamed who have never deployed in a com- questions at the corpsmen as they Corpsmen provide medical care to a simulated casualty during the first Operational bat setting, in order to prepare them performed Combat Lifesaving Medical Symposium at Naval Medical Center San Diego, Calif., Oct. 28. for upcoming deployments. Skills on the casualties. Approximately 450 doctors, “It’s very important that we in- to higher echelons of care. They Bn., 1st MLG. “We bring the expe- nurses and hospital corpsmen duce stress on [the sailors],” said need to get the patients from the rience of working as a team in the participated in 90-minute train- Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph field to the rear as fast as possible, austere. This is one of the obstacles ing blocks covering the five Gagucas, formal instructor, Ad- said Lance Cpl. Michael B. Hal- we can help prepare them for.” medical echelons of care used visory Training Group, 1st Medi- ick, motor transportation operator, After the training blocks were by Navy Medicine. Echelons cal Bn., 1st MLG. “Their con- 1st Medical Bn., 1st MLG. completed, the instructors reviewed begin at the point of wounding, centration will be required in a The Advisory Training Group the sailors’ performance. They illness, or injury, and provide real-life scenario to save lives.” comprises Marines and sailors pointed out the difficulties that they a continuum of care extending Combat medicine is the first and with deployment experience who had during the event and also what through prolonged rehabilita- most critical moment of the medical teach service members about im- they excelled at, so they would tion, according to Sonja Hanson, echelons. Stabilizing the patient in portant combat medicine con- know their strengths and weak- public affairs officer, NMCSD. the field may be the difference be- cepts, including Tactical Combat nesses. In the end they congratulat- During one of the training blocks, tween life and death for the casualty. Casualty Care and CLS. ed the service members on dealing sailors were required to treat casual- Motor transportation operators “I think the nurses and corpsmen with the stress and completing their ties during a simulated improvised also play a major part in saving the already have a basic understanding mission. They were confident that explosive device blast. The ca- lives of service members injured in of what’s required of them to save if it came down to the real thing, sualties had fake injuries such as combat. It’s their job to drive the lives,” said Navy Lt. Kelly A. Trout, the Marines and sailors could pull severed limbs and face lacerations casualties from the sight of injury officer in charge, ATG, 1st Medical through and save lives. The Convoy Page 4 November 11, 2011 give him one! cwo4 jeffery d. grasz

Story and photo by Cpl. Khoa Pelczar Staff Writer

fter 30 years of dedicated ser- vice to the nation, a Marine wore the desert utility cam- Aouflage uniform for one last time at his retirement ceremony here, Oct. 27. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jeffery D. Grasz, one of only five electro- optical maintenance officers in the Marine Corps, said goodbye to the Marines and sailors he served with as he retired from the Corps. For his final duty assignment, Grasz returned to Ordnance Main- tenance Company, 1st Mainte- nance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, where he worked for most of his career. The battalion command- er, Lt. Col. Christian D. Richardson, said he was humbled and honored to be Grasz’ retiring officer. “I couldn’t be more proud stand- Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jeffery Grasz, one of only five electro-optical maintenance officers in the Marine Corps, Ordnance Maintenance Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine ing in front of the man retiring here Logistics Group, speaks to guests attending his retirement ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 27. today,” Richardson said. “During his 30 years, he has made a tremendous dressed the Marines and thanked 30 years, including Desert Shield cans who join me today in saluting influence on Maintenance Company them for their hard work. and Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi you for a job extremely well done.” due to his leadership, his technical “The Marines I’ve worked with Freedom and Operation Enduring Amos also expressed his apprecia- expertise and his selfless dedication.” were phenomenal,” he said. “They Freedom. Grasz said he owes all of tion in his letter: “As you leave our Contributing to the ceremony worked hard and I’ve never seen his achievements to his wife. active ranks, go with the knowledge was a message from the Comman- them complain. It’s rewarding to be Richardson recognized the sac- that your distinguished service will dant of the Marine Corps, Gen. a Marine and see what they’re capa- rifices made by his wife during have a lasting influence … The Corps James F. Amos, addressing Grasz. ble of doing each and every day.” the ceremony. is better because you served, and our “During your career, the Marine As proud as he is to be a Marine, “As Marines, we know what we’re nation can stand proud because it pro- Corps has been involved in com- Grasz said he knew that he wasn’t getting ourselves into once we joined duces Marines like you.” bat, and it has because of Marines doing it alone as his family, espe- this organization,” Richardson said. Now retired, Grasz’ dream is to like you that the Corps has acquit- cially his wife, has been there every “But our family, they didn’t sign up for work for the Expeditionary Systems ted itself so well on the battlefield,” step of the way to support him. this. As much as this ceremony is about Evaluation Division, a contracting Amos wrote. “You can be proud to “My family has been phenomenal. one of our brothers leaving the Corps, organization hired by the U.S. Navy have been a part of that legacy and I can’t say enough I appreciate their it’s more of a tribute to the sacrifices to test and evaluate weapon systems to have attained your grade in an support,” Grasz said. “My wife has made by his family and friends.” for the Navy and Marine Corps. organization such as ours.” been there for me from the begin- Grasz also received a letter of ap- But before leaving with his Looking back at his career, Grasz ning. There have been times that she preciation from the Commander in family, Grasz shared a few words witnessed countless changes the Ma- had to take care of all four children all Chief, President Barack Obama. In with the junior Marines. rine Corps had made. by herself. She would do anything to the letter, Obama wrote, “I extend to “For the lance corporals and “Every piece of gear that we lighten my workload. I wouldn’t be you my personal thanks and the sin- below, there are four things that have, we’ve changed them twice where I am today without her.” cere appreciation of a grateful nation will make you a good Marine and since I’ve been in,” he said. “A lot His wife, Lori, took care of the for your contribution of honorable that is – be at the right place, at the has changed since 1981, but we’re family whenever Grasz was away service to our country… Your com- right time, in the right uniform and still training Marines and we al- on assignments or deployments. mitment and dedication have been an just do what you’ve been told. You ways get the job done.” Grasz has deployed in support of inspiration for those who will follow can’t go wrong. That’s what made During the ceremony, Grasz ad- numerous operations during his in your footsteps, and for all Ameri- the Marine Corps so successful.”

The Convoy Page 5 November 11, 2011 Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, evacuate a ‘casualty’ after a mock firefight at the Enhanced Combat Training course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 27. Enhanced Combat Training Field training prepares Marines for deployment

Story and photos by To make the training more real- Cpl. Michele Watson istic, instructors used ‘toe poppers’, Staff Writer which are hidden under sand and CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. explode when stepped on. They – The sky was dark, with only dim also utilized mock bombs filled light from the moon showing the with CO2 that sprays baby powder way for a squad of Marines pre- with a loud boom when pulled. paring to assault. The crisp cold For the students, whether com- air made the smallest movement bat veterans or those preparing for echo . their first deployment, the training Marines with Combat Logistics increases confidence in their skills. Battalion 15, 1st Marine Logis- “We’re practicing basic patrol tics Group, spent a week receiv- operations and going over con- ing classes and training on basic tact drills, whether it be (impro- principles of conducting patrols vised explosive device) strikes or through Enhanced Combat Train- small arms fire,” said Cpl Preston Instructors dressed as locals approach the Forward Operating Base to ing, Oct. 24-28, here. The final ex- train Marines on how to interact with elders from nearby villages during the Carmichael, military policeman, ercise of the week-long course was Enhanced Combat Training course at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 27. CLB-15, 1st MLG. “This train- the night operation, where Marines ing teaches Marines who haven’t took the training they learned and harder to keep accountability of Base was set up that required se- deployed yet how to react in a applied it during the dark of night. your Marines.” curity and entry control points at combat situation and refreshes the In the distance, a group of in- Rivas said the instructors will all times. Marines received train- skills of those who have.” structors, dressed as the enemy, usually try to kidnap at least one ing on conducting searches for Regardless of the time of day, prepared to begin the fire fight and Marine during the night patrol “locals” trying to get on the base, instructors use every means they engage Marines with rubber AK- to show the importance of keep- as well as how to interact with the have to give the best training they 47s, and mock bombs. ing track of all the members of elders of nearby villages. can offer. “It’s harder to assault at night a squad. “We’re here to train Marines in “We try to use a lot of the am- because you have to have noise During the day, squads of Ma- order to better prepare them for bushes that we’ve see in country,” discipline,” said Sgt. Michael Ri- rines would set out to the woods deployment,” said Sgt. Justin Gar- said Rivas. “I like being an ag- vas, an instructor with Combat to track and locate the enemy. ner, instructor, CST, CLR-17, 1st gressor because I have free game Skills Training, Combat Logistics For those staying behind, a fully MLG. “Training is the only form to run around and use whatever Regiment 17, 1st MLG. “It’s also operational Forward Operating of troop welfare.” tactics I want.” The Convoy Page 6 November 11, 2011 Extra Eyes Costume winner How to help catch traffic violators

Story by The Web site was designed to as- Lance Cpl. Jerrick Griffin sist service members in recording Staff Writer information about traffic violations MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP on base. Users will be asked to fill out PENDLETON, Calif. – The mili- a questionnaire to include name and tary policemen are good at what contact information, a description of they do, but they can’t be every- the vehicle, and a detailed statement. where at once, especially on the Since its launch in April 2007, roads, so drivers are urged to report numerous violators have been traffic violations. brought to justice, according to the Anyone aboard Camp Pendleton base Provost Marshal’s Office. The can report a moving violation that completed report will be e-mailed to occurs on base and be the extra eyes the Police Records Section (Bldg. for the base policemen by submit- 1523). The reporter can also print ting a Traffic Violation Report. out the TVR and mail it to: Pro- According to the Camp Pendle- vost Marshal’s Office (Attn: Police ton Web site, a moving violation is Records), P.O. Box 555051, Camp any violation of certain provisions Pendleton, Calif., 92055-5051. of the California Vehicle Code “I think this is a great thing for (CVC), committed by the driver everyone to know,” said Petty Offi- of a vehicle, while it is in motion cer 1st Class Glorille Jackson, safety – such as speeding, failure to use representative, 1st Marine Logistics seatbelts and failure to stop for pe- Group, from Angeles City, Philip- destrians at crosswalks. pines. “We have the power to police Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerrick Griffin A person can report a violation our own and make sure everyone is 1st Lt. Thomas Alldridge, platoon commander, 2nd Platoon, by filling out a TVR online at http:// doing the right thing. If more people Military Police Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st www.marines.mil/unit/basecamp- participated and report violations Marine Logistics Group, wins best costume at the regimental pendleton/Pages/BaseStaffandAgen- they see, it would definitely help cut Halloween run aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 28. cies/SecurityBn/PMO/index.htm. down on vehicle mishaps.” Four Chiefs, one family

Photo courtesy of Lori Rabago

Lori Rabago (left), a retired Navy Chief and current executive assistant to the commanding officer of 1st Dental Battalion, stands at attention after her sister, Terese McClain Lagana (second from right), is pinned to the rank of Chief during a recent promotion ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Also in attendance were the sisters’ father, retired Chief James Ball (second from left), and sister, retired Chief Shelly Nelson (far right). The newly-promoted McClain Lagana became the fourth Navy Chief in her family.

The Convoy Page 7 November 11, 2011 LS Marines support expeditionary unit Story and photos by Pfc. Timothy Childers Staff Writer

UNITED STATES NAVAL STATION SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Navy ships are out in the open ocean and away from port for months at a time, so the supplies and equipment they receive while docked are vital to their success during deployments. In many cases Marines will load the gear for the service members of Marine Expe- ditionary Units. The Marines from Landing Sup- port Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, staged vehicles and equip- ment here Nov. 3, in preparation for loading onto the fleet of the Marines with Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, stage 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. vehicles and equipment to be loaded onto the fleet of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit at U.S. Naval The 11th MEU, consisting of Station San Diego, Nov. 3, before its deployment to the western Pacific this month. the USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor, is landing support specialists use scheduled to deploy to the western Portable Deployment Kits, which Pacific and Middle East regions use Radio-Frequency Identifiers to this month. track equipment. The tracker uses The Marines staged tactical remote ID tags placed with gear vehicles including several 7-ton that transmit its location to the RFI, trucks and Humvees, and equip- said Cpl. Chad E. Rodriguez, land- ment such as generators, medical ing support specialist, LS Compa- supplies, pallets full of engineer ny, CLR-17, 1st MLG. stakes and fuel tanks transported If the Marines and sailors can from Camp Pendleton, Calif. The track where gear is at a certain time Marines unloading and staging the and place, they can easily distrib- equipment were heavy equipment ute and maintain accountability of operators, utilizing vehicles such as the equipment, allowing operations Light Compatibility Rough Terrain to run smoothly. Forklifts, John Deere 624J TRAMs According to the 11th MEU’s and SkyTrak MMV forklifts. official webpage, “The 11th MEU “I enjoy my job,” said Cpl. Josh- provides a forward-deployed, flex- ua A. Petruso, heavy equipment ible sea-based Marine air-ground operator, LS Company, CLR-17, task force capable of conducting 1st MLG. “I like using the full- amphibious operations, crisis re- sized equipment and being able to sponse and limited contingency supply the Marines and sailors of operations, to include enabling the the 11th MEU.” introduction of follow-on forces Landing support specialists take and designated special operations accountability of equipment and in order to support the theater re- supplies loaded and offloaded onto quirements of geographic combat- ships. It’s also their job to prioritize ant commanders.” and track the personnel and gear The success of the Marines and that are aboard a ship to ensure the sailors deployed with a MEU relies most efficient deployment possible, on the logistical support the Ma- said Cpl. David A. Powell, landing rines of LS Company provide. support specialist, LS Company, “Landing support specialists are CLR-17, 1st MLG. the first to go in and last to leave “Our job can be very tedious wherever we go,” said 1st Lt. Ryan because it requires a lot of coordi- D. Betters, officer in charge, LS nation between units to complete Company, CLB-11, 11th MEU. Lance Cpl. Andrew N. Albers, heavy equipment operator, Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, most operations,” said Powell. “Our job is very important for any mounts a John Deere TRAM before unloading the cargo of a 7-ton truck To assist in their operations, mission’s success.” at U.S. Naval Station San Diego, Nov. 3. The Convoy Page 8 November 11, 2011 A young girl sits in the driver’s seat of a Humvee at the 2011 Mission Bay Montessori Academy Halloween Carnival, San Diego, Oct. 28.

Cpl. Jordan Perrell (right), from Lexington, N.C., motor trans- port operator, Headquarters Marines volunteer at Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logis- tics Group, helps a young boy put on protective gear at the 2011 Mission Bay Montessori Halloween Carnival Academy Halloween Carnival, Photos by Cpl. Khoa Pelczar San Diego, Oct. 28.

A young girl starts up a Humvee at the 2011 Mission Bay Montessori Academy Halloween A young girl puts on a flak jacket at the Carnival, San Diego, Oct. 28. The Humvee, along with protective equipment such as flak 2011 Mission Bay Montessori Academy jackets and Kevlars, were provided to the carnival as static displays by the Marines of Combat Halloween Carnival, San Diego, Oct. 28. Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group. The Convoy Page 9 November 11, 2011