Dec. 31, 2010

Volume 2 Issue 30 Corps’ top leaders visit Marines Story and Photos by Cpl. Shannon McMillan 1st MLG (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, accompanied by the Corps’ top enlisted Marine, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent, visited Marines and sailors of I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 23. Amos and Kent addressed the Ma- rines and sailors during a town-hall meet- ing where they discussed the progress Marines are making in Afghanistan. “Everybody knows it’s been a tough fight in Sangin, but we are going to look back the same way we look back at Mar- jah,” said Amos of the former Taliban Commandant of the Marine Corps James F. Amos and Sergeant Major of stronghold that has seen significant prog- the Marine Corps Carlton W. Kent, address a crowd of Marines and sailors ress since Marines began major opera- at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 23. Amos and Kent visited to say tions there in February. thank you to all the troops who are supporting the International Security Assistance Force and to wish them a Merry Christmas. See COMMANDANT, Page 2 Marines remembered for dedication, sacrifice

Story and photos by Cpl. Shannon McMillan 1st MLG (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – More than 150 service members bowed their heads in silence and paid their final respects here, Dec. 26, to two Marines who dedicated their lives to eliminating the larg- est threat on today’s battlefield, improvised explosive devices. Sgt. Jason T. Smith, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Gunnery Sgt. Justin E. Schmalstieg, a native of Pittsburgh, were killed in action Nov. 19 and Dec. 15, re- spectively, while conducting combat opera- tions in Helmand province, Afghanistan. A memorial display for Sgt. Jason T. Smith and Gunnery Sgt. Justin E. Schmalstieg See MEMORIAL, Page 3 is shown during a memorial service at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 26.

Follow us on: COMMANDANT Continued from Page 1

During his remarks, Amos also ex- pressed his admiration to the service members for their accomplishments and dedication in supporting the on- going counterinsurgency mission, especially while deployed during the holiday season. “You are willing to come over here during Christmas away from your families, and we are here to say thank you,” said Amos. Amos also delivered a special mes- sage from President Barack Obama. Amos said Obama told him over the phone, “’Will you tell the Marines that their commander in chief says thanks, and Merry Christmas.’” Kent said he is proud of the Ma- rines who continue to carry on the proud legacy of the Marine Corps. “You have created your own legacy over the last nine years and it’s a great Photo by Sgt. Brian Lautenslager legacy,” said Kent. “It’s a legacy that Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Amos (right) tours the Concussion you will continue each and every day Restoration Care Center at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. Dec. 23. because the eagle, globe and anchor is branded in your heart.” “You’re a part of that legacy and building that legacy for our Marine Corps, and I am really proud,” added Amos. “I am just honored to be in your presence, and I want to say thank you and God bless every one of you. Mer- ry Christmas.” After the town-hall meeting, Amos and Kent toured the 1st MLGFWD) units including the newly-established Marines and sailors enjoyed their Concussion Restoration Care Center, time with the commandant and Ser- which provides a multi-disciplinary ap- geant Major of the Marine Corps, but proach to treating Afghanistan’s num- even more so, the top Marines en- ber one battle injury, concussions. It’s joyed expressing their gratitude to the the first facility of its kind in Helmand deployed service members. (Above) Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps province. “I want to look Marines in the eye and say thanks and spend Christmas Carlton Kent addresses Marines at Camp “I believe in it, we can save Marines Leatherneck, Afghanistan. (Above Left) lives and their ability to get back into with them,” said Amos. Marines listen as the Corps’ top leaders the fight,” said Amos. [email protected] speak during a town hall meeting, Dec. 23.

Commanding General Sergeant Major brig. gen. charles hudson sgt. maj. antonio vizcarrondo PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICERS Combat Correspondents 1st Lt. Jeremy McLean Cpl. Shannon McMillan Follow us on: 2nd Lt. Rebecca Burgess Lance Cpl. Jerrick Griffin Lance Cpl. Khoa Pelczar Public Affairs Chief Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik Staff Sgt. Jennifer Brofer

The Convoy Page 2 Dec. 31, 2010 A service member pays his final respects to Sgt. Jason T. Smith and Gunnery Sgt. Justin E. Schmalstieg during a memorial service at Camp Leatherneck, Afghani- stan, Dec. 26. Smith and Schmalstieg, assigned to 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), were killed in action Nov. 19 and Dec. 15, respectively, while Marines pay their final respects during a memorial service for Sgt. Jason T. Smith and conducting combat operations in Hel- Gunnery Sgt. Justin E. Schmalstieg at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 26. mand province, Afghanistan. to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Ja- ing, Schmalstieg returned to 9th ESB as pan EOD team only to report five months an EOD technician. He later deployed to MEMORIAL later to 1st EOD Co., 7th Engineer Sup- Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Continued from Page 1 port Battalion, 1st MLG, in Camp Pend- from February to September 2006. Three leton, Calif., as an individual augment for months later, Schmalstieg deployed with Smith, an explosive ordnance dis- deployment to Afghanistan in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit from posal technician, and Schmalsteig, EOD Operation Enduring Freedom. December 2006 to July 2007. team leader, were assigned to 1st EOD “There are so many words that could In September 2008, Schmalstieg Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group describe Jason, but ‘brother’ is how I will was assigned to 1st EOD Company, 7th (Forward). always remember him,” said Staff Sgt. ESB, Camp Pendleton, Calif. In February “Saying goodbye is never easy, es- Eric Olson, team leader, 1st EOD, 1st 2009, he deployed in support of Opera- pecially when we need to say goodbye MLG (FWD). “Jason was an outstanding tion Iraqi Freedom. In September 2010, to two of our finest young Marines,” said young EOD technician; he was always he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kelly J. Colton, looking for something to learn.” Operation Enduring Freedom. company commander, 1st EOD Co., 1st Schmalstieg enlisted in the Marine “Justin was a great friend, an outstand- MLG (FWD). “These were two EOD tech- Corps and completed recruit training at ing EOD tech and was the type of husband nicians that chose to push themselves Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island to his wife, Ann, that would make any one to a higher level of technical ability and in May 2001. After completion of bulk of us feel inadequate as a man,” said Staff skill that most do not. This is dedication to fuel specialist school at Fort Lee, Va., in Sgt. Scott M. Carter, EOD technician. “Jus- duty and this shows the great character July 2001, Schmalstieg was assigned to tin, thank you for letting me be a part of your of the men we remember today.” Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 at life. I am a more proficient EOD tech and a Smith enlisted in the Marine Corps Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. better man for having known you.” and completed recruit training at Marine He deployed to Kuwait from April to June The losses of these two great young Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in Sep- 2003 as an individual augment. In De- men will lay heavy on the hearts of those tember 2000. He deployed to Iraq in sup- cember 2003, Schmalstieg was assigned with 1st EOD Company for many years to port of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 to 9th Engineer Support Battalion in Oki- come, said Colton. and 2007. nawa, Japan. While with 9th ESB, he was “Justin and Jason, thank you for be- Smith served as a motor transporta- promoted to the rank of corporal and ac- ing who you are, thank you for being tion operator and career retention spe- cepted into the EOD field. heroes,” Colton said. “You will live in cialist before entering the EOD field in In September 2004, he reported to our thoughts and prayers and you will June 2008. He reported to Eglin Air Force Eglin Air Force Base for EOD school never be forgotten.” Base for military occupational school in where he was promoted to the rank of February 2009. He then received orders sergeant. Upon completion of EOD train- [email protected] The Convoy Page 3 Dec. 31, 2010 ‘We are grateful for the Marines.’ -Resident of Haji Khudairam Helmand province, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Madalin L. Petre, platoon sergeant, 2nd Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), provides security for a construction site near Combat Outpost Rankel, Afghanistan, Dec. 18. Approximately 25 combat engineers and heavy equipment operators with CLB-3’s Engineer Company improved more than 1,100 meters of roadway in direct support of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Forward), as well as local Afghan citizens. Engineers improve mobility for Afghans

Story and Photos by always a concern,” said Lance Cpl. means lives were saved. You can look Cpl. Daniel Woodall Wesley F. Kelly, 20, heavy equipment at my hands and see I am a farmer. Combat Logistics Battalion 3 operator, Engineer Co., CLB-3, 1st I work this land to support my family MLG (FWD), and a native of Wagoner, and everyday Marines are patrolling COMBAT OUTPOST RANKEL, Af- Okla. “We have to be on edge a little to make sure they are safe. When ghanistan – Combat engineers with bit. It keeps you on your toes after you [combat engineers] work all night, we Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Ma- see and hear IEDs go off in your area. feel safer. rine Logistics Group (Forward) contin- You have no choice but to maintain a “Whoever holds the weapons has ue to improve mobility for Afghan civil- combat mindset.” the power, whether it is Taliban or ians and the Marines of 2nd Battalion, Despite the IED threat, or because Afghan or [U.S.] forces,” the Afghan 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Divi- of it, the engineers continue to im- continued. “But when those who hold sion (Forward), near Combat Outpost prove the area’s security. According the weapons have [bad] intentions, we Rankel in southern Afghanistan. to one local citizen of Haji Khudairam, are fearful. With the insurgent activi- The engineers have already wid- a 21-year-old male resident, the road ties, we are afraid to go out at night. ened and leveled more than 1,100 repairs benefit the community greatly, I hope these new projects will help meters of a well-traveled road and but the presence of coalition and Af- bring positive change to this area.” reinforced a bridge deemed too nar- ghan forces aids the people more be- Though these development proj- row for the large amount of traffic in cause it provides them with a military ects serve a dual purpose by benefit- the local community. Haji Khudairam, presence that deters potential insur- ting military units and Afghan civil- the nearest town, is a rural commu- gent activity. ians, CLB-3’s primary objective is to nity with few passable routes for large “We are very happy with the proj- support the units within Regimental vehicle traffic. Unfortunately, the few ect here,” said the resident, through Combat Team 1. By providing these routes available to locals and military an interpreter. “There are more than units with greater mobility within their personnel are littered with improvised 100 trucks that pass through this area area of operations, CLB-3 hopes to explosive devices planted by Taliban every day, and the bridge will help. enhance the safety and security of the insurgents operating in the area. We are grateful for the Marines. Last Afghan community. “When working [24 hour opera- night, I witnessed the Marines finding tions] in an area like this, security is an IED and detonating it safely – this [email protected]

The Convoy Page 4 Dec. 31, 2010 Marines build long-lasting bridge Bridge to be used by Afghans, coalition forces in Marjah Story and Photos by Cpl. Shannon McMillan 1st MLG (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), fabricated a bridge here, Dec. 21, which will later be installed in Marjah and serve as a permanent replacement for a medium girder bridge. The bridge is designed to last longer than typical medium girder bridges and will provide safe and efficient passage for Afghans and coalition forces. “We have numerous medium girder bridges placed around Afghanistan, and Lance Cpl. Matthew Dark, welder, Maintenance Platoon, Support Company, 8th we are trying to replace them with non- Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), watches as standard ones,” said Navy Lt. j.g Joshua Sgt. Kenneth Cole, welder chief, welds pieces of steel during the fabrication of A. Senecal, construction officer, S-3, a non-standard bridge at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 21. Headquarters and Service Company, 8th ESB, 1st MLG (FWD). “This way we it’s sturdy, and over time when it can provide passage in other areas.” needs to be replaced, it will be easy,” Medium girder bridges, like the said Marunowski. “It’s easy to replace one currently in place in Marjah, are wooden planks instead of replacing an constructed entirely of steel. The entire MGB.” MGB is intended to be used as a “The non-standard bridge will not temporary passage over rivers and only require less maintenance, but it gaps, and because they require a lot will keep the Marines out of the line of of maintenance the engineers replace fire,” added Sgt. Kenneth Cole, welder them every few months. chief, 29, a native of Conneaut, Ohio. “Because of the constant wear and The new bridge will be able to hold tear on the [medium girder bridges] due up to 118,000 pounds, said Senecal. to high traffic and weather conditions, we It will also save the Marine Corps money. would replace them on a regular basis,” The new bridge costs approximately said Staff Sgt. David Marunowski, $20,000, while an MGB costs approximately bridge platoon guide, Bravo Company, $920,000, said Senecal. 8th ESB, 1st MLG (FWD). “This is a The Marines said the installation of a more permanent choice.” more permanent bridge will have a positive It’s also a more permanent solution effect on the local Afghan community. because it’s built into a canal, unlike “[The Afghan locals] get really excited Marine engineers build a bridge, Dec. 21. medium girder bridges that are placed when we go in and start building the bridges,” said Marunowski. “They get above a canal, explained Marunowski, we are gone.” excited because we are helping them out.” 29, a native of Toldeo, Ohio. The Marines worked countless hours The locals come up and talk with the The new bridge will be transported to complete the bridge and are proud of Marines and some of them bring tea to Marjah on a combat logistics patrol the final result. and food with them as a way to show in six pieces, not including concrete “They are pretty excited about the gratitude, he said. footers, and will be assembled on-site, project because they were the first to be “It will be a while before work has to added Marunowski. able to do it,” said Marunowski. “They be done on this bridge,” he added. “It The new bridge was prefabricated know it will help out everyone in the will be easier for the local villagers to into sections of steel and wood, which long run.” will make it easier to maintain. maintain and conduct maintenance on “The wood is being used because the bridge, and that will be long after [email protected]

The Convoy Page 5 Dec. 31, 2010 Senior Marines serve Christmas meal

Navy Capt. Robert Crossan, chaplain, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) dresses up as Santa and greets Marines and sail- ors as they sit down to enjoy their Christ- mas dinner, Dec 25, at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. Photos by Sgt. Brian Lautenslager Master Chief Petty Officer Gerardo Ramos, command master chief, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), carves the turkey for Christmas dinner at a mess hall aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. Officers and senior enlisted Marines and sailors took time to serve everyone their Christmas dinner.

Capt. Sarah Reisberg, engineer operations officer, G-3, 1st Marine Logistics Group Service members from 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) pose for a (Forward), enjoys Christmas dinner at a picture behind the serving line at the mess hall aboard Camp Leatherneck, mess hall aboard Camp Leatherneck, Af- Afghanistan, Dec. 25. ghanistan, Dec. 25. The Convoy Page 6 Dec. 31, 2010