MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO

AND THE WESTERN RECRUITING REGION

Vol. 71 – Issue 8 “Where Marines Are Made” FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2011

MCRD promotes Chief of Staff retires after forty years healthy lifestyle by Lance Cpl. Eric increased urinalysis testing, Quintanilla and a reduction of alcohol- Chevron staff related incidents and DUIs. Each command will start with Marine Corps Community a set amount of points. These Services is slated to kick off points will get deducted for its second annual 101 Days every month if the minimum of Summer Campaign at the amount of Marines are not Wellness Expo aboard Marine tested or if there are any Corps Recruit Depot San alcohol-related incidents. The Diego, May 11. command with the most points The 101 Days of Summer will at the end of the competition create activities all summer will receive an award. long that promote responsible The Competition use of alcohol as well as the will challenge the commands elimination of illegal drug use to participate in the designated within the military. events that promote healthy The Wellness Expo will serve alternatives to alcohol con- as the first day of the campaign sumption. The competition will and will promote healthy include a variety of events such lifestyle choices to all MCRD as fitness challenges, a video personnel through educational game tournament, scavenger materials, interactive activities, hunt and many others. The fitness demonstrations, health commands will receive points screenings and a farmers based on participation in each market. event. MCCS is planning on having The fitness challenges will an event every week of the run between certain hours summer to keep it a consistent of the day where Marines thought on the Marines’ can show up to complete the minds. This year’s event will challenge and their score will also host all who want to attend be recorded to determine a as opposed to last year’s events winner at the end. that were only able to host a The campaign will come few Marines. to a close August 26 with a Lance Cpl. Michael Ito/Chevron The 101 Days of Summer functional fitness competition. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and Western Recruiting Region Chief of Staff Col. Campaign will consist of two The winner of each competition Carl F. Huenefeld, stands before the depot and WRR’s commanding general, Maj. Gen. separate competitions, the will receive a plaque that will be Ronald L. Bailey, and depot sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Sylvester D. Daniels, during his formal Honor Competition and Oorah displayed in the fitness center retirement ceremony. The ceremony was held on the depot’s Shepherd Memorial Field March Competition. The Honor and a cash award deposited 25. Huenefeld has honorably served in the Marine Corps since June 1971 and will officially Competition will encourage into their command’s funds. retire July 31. Women veterans exhibit opens at vets museum by Pfc Crystal Druery They took time out of their The artifacts currently on “The World War II veterans rotate their artifacts on a regular Chevron staff weekend to help better educate display in the women’s veteran speaking today brought up that basis helping better educate the people on the many struggles exhibit vary from female Marine they didn’t realize the value of public on history by allowing Many women have honorably military women have overcome to scrapbooks dating back to WWII, their old military items, they them to see more from the past. served in the get where they are today. to a female Navy officer’s cover. are happy to help contribute to That’s what we’re trying to military since 1778, when The female veterans that spoke The exhibit also displays a few of developing the greater story, accomplish here,” said Loh. reportedly Deborah Samson represented the Army, Navy, Air the female dress uniforms from women in the military,” said Loh. Marine Corps Recruit Depot of Plympton, Mass., disguised Force and Marine Corps. All of the each service, and the inventory is These females among other San Diego Command Museum herself as a young man and females brought different stories to expected to expand. veterans are working with the director, Barbara McCurtis, enlisted herself in the Army. She the table from WWII, highlighting Despite the rich presence of exhibit to help give a women’s was also among the crowd at served for three years before she different aspects of female military female history currently present in perspective of what was the exhibit opening showing was discovered to be a female and history. the exhibit, the museum hopes to important to them when they her support of the military was discharged from the service. The Veterans Museum and gather more artifacts to help better served years ago. The Veterans community. This topic is just one of many Memorial Center is the former educate the public and those who Museum and Memorial is also It’s good that it gives hope subjects the female veterans of chapel of the Naval Hospital of come to visit. Jim Loh, the assistant working with the San Diego to young females to say ‘I can World War II discussed March Inspiration Point in San Diego’s curator and a San Diego native, Women’s Museum, to help allow do that,’ but they won’t get that 19 at the Veterans Museum and Balboa Park. The chapel was built explains how they are hoping the rotation of the artifacts on display inspiration if they only see men Memorial Center for the opening during WWII and now bears one- opening of the exhibit will have like the traditional museums. in history accomplishing great of the women’s military exhibit. of-a-kind artifacts. caught peoples eyes. “The traditional museums things, said Barbara.

DRILL ARTISTS SHOOTERS KNOCK OUT Silent drill team entertains depot p. 4 Co. M recruits hit the bull’s eye p. 4 Former depot Marine takes boxing gold p. 8 2 CHEVRON NEWS AND COMMENTARY APRIL 1, 2011 Department of Defense establishes Comedy night Laugh it up tonight at the confidential sexual assault helpline Recreation Center. MCRD’s Comedy Night features Chris Clobber, London assembled by Pamela A. Davis Sexual Assault Response Coordinators. Brown, Andrew Norelli and a special Depot Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Program Manager The DoD Safe Helpline is confidential, free and available guest. Doors open at 7 p.m., and show worldwide 24 hours a day, seven days a week. time begins at 8. This is a free event Underreporting of sexual assault poses a serious challenge to Help is just a click, call or text away. for all authorized patrons. Tickets can military readiness according to the Department of Defense. The be picked up at the Tickets and Tour potential costs and consequences of sexual assault are extremely high To access: Office or at the Recreation Center. and victim support is a key component of the DoD Sexual Assault • Go to www.SafeHelpline.org to receive live, one-on-one Call (619) 524-4446 for details. Prevention and Response policy. confidential help with a trained professional through a secure DoD is launching its new “Safe Helpline” this month, as part of instant-messaging format. The website also provides vital its victim care program. The helpline is a confidential crisis support information about recovering from and reporting sexual Volunteer income tax service for adult members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. assistance center assault. • Call the telephone hotline at (877) 995-5247 to speak with The depot tax center will be open To establish the service, DoD has contracted with the Rape, Abuse trained Safe Helpline staff for personalized advice and support. for walk-ins and appointments Satur- and Incent National Network to provide three new confidential, Safe Helpline staff can also transfer users to installation-based days from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. through anonymous channels to assist the victims of sexual assault. SARCs/on-call Victim Advocates, civilian rape crisis centers or April 18. The VITA center is found the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. in Bldg. 12, in the Legal Services They are: • Text your location to 55-247 inside the U.S. and (202) 470- Center at 3700 Chosin Ave. Call (619) • An online hotline with anonymous chat capability to enable 5546 outside the U.S., to receive automated contact information 524-5273 for an appointment. Enter victims to reach out for one-on-one help via an instant-messaging for the SARC at your installation or base. through the rear entrance facing the type format. These three additional confidential avenues for help will be a parade deck. Tax preparers will be • A telephone hotline to provide live one-on-one support, advice, valuable resource for victims of sexual assault that allows them available from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. reporting information and referrals. to seek resources and crisis support anonymously, leading to Mondays through Thursdays, and • A short message service (texting) to provide automated referrals to victims reporting sexual assaults and getting needed care. from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. Bring social security cards, W-2s, 1099s, proof of deposit information and all other tax-related documents. If you have internet access and are Your cap and gown is a uniform unable to use the VITA tax center, go to http://www.irs.gov/app/freeFile/ by Janice M. Hagar graduation ceremonies in May or June, please ribbon. Your dress blue trousers are blue. As welcome.jsp to prepare your tax return MCRDSD Public Affairs respect your school and wear the cap and you progress through your career, you will online. gown. It really is the uniform of the day for earn the red when you become For the last couple of years, I’ve written that event. a noncommissioned officer. You will wear Columbia University commentaries about a topic that pops in the The cap and gown are a part of a uniform ribbons that signify where you’ve been, what national news every spring: new Marines called Academia Regalia. For high school wars or conflicts you have participated in, and admissions interviews who want to wear their dress blue uniforms graduation, the cap and gown is basic. It may how long you have conducted yourself in a The Columbia University dean to their high school graduations vice the cap be black or it may be the school colors, but it good manner. of admissions will be conducting and gown. basic in nature. Those graduates who are in The point is your uniform starts off basic screening interviews in the MCIWEST These new Marines are those hard- the National Honor Society will wear a sash and as you move through the Marine Corps, CG’s Conference Room (Rm. 292, chargers, who earn their high school diploma or cord that signifies they are graduating with people will be able to know a great deal Bldg. 1160, mainside Camp Pendleton) mid-school year, come to and honors. The college undergraduate cap and about you just by what you have earned for from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday. Screening then return home in time to participate with gown is also basic in nature. However, those your uniform. It’s basic like a high school is for undergrads only (no advanced their fellow senior classmates in the traditional who graduate with a masters degree will graduation cap and gown. But that cap and degree candidates). Marines who graduation ceremony. These new Marines have a hood (similar to a choir sash) draped gown changes too as folks move up through pass the interview process will be (and their families) are proud of those dress around their necks. The color of the hood academia. Those colors and velvet stripes are enrolled and start freshman classes blues and rightly so. But when Marines are represents the discipline, or area of study) of earned, too. approximately Sept. 1. Columbia told they must wear the cap and gown, they the degree earned. For instance, a masters Your high school graduation is a special University prerequisites are: SAT Score become upset. News stories start showing degree graduate with a light blue hood means time. It’s a milestone, just like your graduation – 1150 (Math + Critical Reading) or up in the local papers. It’s kind of sad because they earned their degree in education. Social day from recruit training. Your school’s cap ACT Score – 25. Test scores must not these new Marines are missing an important work is citron. Law is purple. Journalism is and gown is a uniform. Even though it’s be more than 8 years old. point. It’s a point they should understand crimson. You can look at a graduate’s cap and basic in nature, it is a well-earned privilege The screening is for Marines already. They’ve spent three months learning gown and know what he or she has studied. to wear them. Wear your dress blues to your seeking to earn an undergraduate about uniformity, but yet they don’t want to be Those who are earning their doctorates will graduation parties and family get-togethers. degree when transitioning back to in uniform with their fellow graduates. have a gown that features three bars of velvet Be proud of them. But be proud of your civilian life after separation from For those future Marines who are here across the sleeve. opportunity to wear your cap and gown. It’s active duty or retirement. now at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San When you graduate from recruit training, also the respectful thing to do for your school. For information call Casey Roberts Diego or at MCRD Parris Island, S.C., you are a basically-trained Marine. You Honor those who helped get you to where you at (760) 213-0957 or e-mail casey@ who plan on walking in their high school wear the emblem and the National Defense are today. Congratulations Class of 2011! roberts.net.

Emergency preparedness The emergency preparedness WFTBn hosts safety, family readiness expo theme for March is “Make Disaster Kits.” Don’t wait until it’s too late! Visit www.espfocus.org or MCRD San Diego’s Website and click on the emergency preparedness link for full details.

Walking club Get out of the office on your lunch break and come walk and talk with Health Promotions! Starting April 4, participants will meet at the flagpole every Monday and Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., and explore different walking routes around base. The club is open to all fitness levels. Walks will vary in length from 20-60 minutes depending on the group’s interest that day, and will allow for different walking paces and turnaround points for those who desire a shorter walk or who need to get back to work. Call Andrea Callahan at (619) 524- 8913 for information, or contact her at [email protected].

Send briefs to: Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cristina N. Porras [email protected]. The Chev- ron staff reserves the right to publish CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Sgt. Jeremy Garland (right), combat marksmanship coach, Delta Range, Weapons and Field only those briefs that comply with Training discusses motorcycle and vehicle issues with Oceanside Police Department Motor Officer Gene Department of Defense regulations Gruntowicz during a safety and family readiness expo March 18. The WFTBn–sponsored event was held to allow Marines and the standards of the U.S. Govern- and their family members an opportunity to connect with all the specialists and resources available to them to ensure ment. readiness and safety on and off the job. CHEVRON AROUND THE CORPS APRIL 1, 2011 3

Around Marine unit recovers 240 weapons caches by Sgt. Jesse Stente 1st Lt. Shane Harden, the Fox Company by, and they go up to these people and Regemental Combat Team 1 executive officer, noted a significant say, Hey, you know the guys who broke the depot decrease in insurgent small arms attacks your door? The guy who just pointed that MARJAH, -- Like tomb since the beginning of the deployment. weapon at your kid? That guy who searched This week the Chev- raiders, the Marines unearth the deadly Harden said firefights used to be a daily your house? He’s coming down the road in ron asks: “Should treasures of those who no longer rule occurrence. Now, he said, more than 15 minutes. We’re going to put this bomb Marines be allowed Helmand province. Scouring dry creek two weeks have passed since their last in the road, and don’t you say anything to to wear their dress beds and abandoned compounds, they engagement with the enemy. Harden, him.’” blues instead of the collect caches of AK-47s, Soviet era from Dublin, Ga., believes the decrease in Koury looked up, breaking off the grenades and homemade explosives buried violence is directly related to the increase narrative. “Would you say anything to him? cap and gown, during by the insurgents. in cache finds. Would you tell him there’s a bomb in the academic graduation Capt. Walker Koury, the commanding Koury, whose company supports 3rd road?” ceremonies?” officer with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, Battalion, 9th Marine , said In Northern Marjah, the people will, , said his troops find the turnaround in Northern Marjah is asserted Koury, because the Fox Company caches every day as citizens of Northern the by-product of a change in command Marines have avoided endangering the Marjah warm to the Marines. philosophy. The former battalion focused civilian population in pursuit of insurgents. “I think this makes it much more more on destroying the enemy, whereas 3/9 Sgt. Gerry Cariaga, a squad leader difficult for them to return,” said Koury, and Fox Company have concentrated more with Fox Company, said he’s surprised at addressing the possibility of an insurgent on building relationships with the locals, how much of the deployment he’s spent spring campaign in the area. Koury said. talking to people and searching for buried For Fox Company, weapons cache Harden noted that Fox Company and weapons. He said departing Marines from finds are the most tangible evidence of 3/9 face a weaker enemy than past Marine the last unit warned that violence would the insurgent’s woes in northern Marjah. units in the area – units that adopted a resume with the changing of seasons. The company has averaged three per day more aggressive approach by necessity, “They said, ‘Hey, once it gets hotter, it’s over the last three months, accumulated he said. He conceded that Fox Company’s going to get worse.” more than 240 since the beginning of their approach wouldn’t have been possible in Cariaga, from Solsona, Ilocos Norte, deployment almost five months ago, and the spring of 2010, when local insurgent Phillippines, said he’s sometimes accounted for more cache finds than any forces were a more formidable threat, and disappointed by the unfulfilled prophecy. other Marine company in Afghanistan, he credited previous for laying He sometmies misses the firefights, he “They should absolutely not wear their uniform. Koury said. the groundwork for the present phase explained, but overall, he’s glad that his Just as you graduate Koury, from Nashhville, Tenn., said the of counterinsurgency operations in the company has found a safer, more effective recruit training in a Marine increased rate of cache finds is a by-product region. Nevertheless, he said, Fox Company way to operate. Corps uniform, you should of the growing support for Marines in saw no progress until a point early in the “If you treat people with respect, they graduate high school in Northern Marjah. deployment, when they shifted their focus will respect you,” Cariaga observed. the appropriate uniform. “If the people support the Marines, from killing the enemy to embracing the Koury attributes the company’s success Either situation signifies they’ll tell them that the (insurgents) are community. – the uncovered caches, burgeoning public the completion of a major coming,” explained Koury. “Who’s going Koury illustrated the problem Marines support and reduced hostility – to Marine milestone in life.” Lance Cpl. Eva Barton, to spot the (insurgents)? Not us. The have had in the past. discipline. Marines prefer the gallantry of training clerk, Headquarters Co. people. Because they’re going to see the “Say you get attacked, and you go combat to playing the role of neighborhood (insurgents) moving with the weapons, through – you break people’s stuff,” he said. watch, but they will always restrain their so that’s (why the insurgents) are having “You point weapons at people, and every natural aggression for the sake of mission to hide all of this stuff … What they’ll do time your (base) gets shot at, you return accomplishment, he said. is hide the weapons where their going to with machine gun fire. Now what are the “You can kill every (insurgent), but if conduct the attack.” people going to think about you? You can you don’t have the support of the people, it “So therefore,” concluded Koury, “I’m see it however you want, but they’re not doesn’t matter,” Koury said. “In fact, you literally attacking their ambush position, going to like you.” don’t have to kill any (insurgents), and you but they’re not there; they’re weapons are.” “The next day, the (insurgents) come can win.”

“He should be able to wear his blues. That lets him show his pride for being a Marine. Pride is not something that should be disallowed.” Gunnery Sgt. Baron Rice, student, Recruiter School

“He graduated. He’s a Sgt. Jesse Stence/Regimental Combat Team 1 Marine. He can wear his Lance Cpl. Parker Hobbs, a Boston native and combat engineer with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, uses a blues wherever he wants.” metal detector to search for weapons caches in a village in Southern Marjah, March 23, during Operation Watchtower. Watchtower, 1st Sgt. Darryl Rush, company first sergeant, Special Training devised by Regimental Combat Team 1, targeted suspected Taliban bed-down and supply locations in Central Helmand province, Co. Afghanistan. The operation, which included four battalions from RCT-1, ran in conjunction with Marine patrols near the Pakistan border to pre–empt a possible influx of Taliban fighters this spring.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR COMBAT CORRESPONDENTS chevron/public affairs office henderson ave Maj. Michael W. Armistead Lance Cpl. Katalynn Thomas 1600 . #120 Lance Cpl. Eric Quintanilla san diego, ca. 92140 (619) 524-8722 Lance Cpl. Michael Ito DEPUTY DIRECTOR www.marines.mil/unit/tecom/mcrdsandiego/Pages/welcome.aspx Pfc. Crystal Druery ESTABLISHED 1942 Janice M. Hagar The Chevron, printed with appropriated funds in compliance with Marine COMMANDING GENERAL PUBLIC AFFAIRS CHIEF Corps order P5600.31F, is published by Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego personnel. Opinions and views expressed herein are not necessar- aj en onald ailey Master Sgt. Robert G. Knoll M . G . R L. B ily those of the Marine Corps or the Department of Defense. The Chevron EDITOR is promulgated for informational purposes only and in no way should be SERGEANT MAJOR PRESS CHIEF Roger Edwards considered directive in nature. All photos are official USMC property unless Sgt. Maj. Sylvester D. Daniels Cpl. Kristin E. Moreno [email protected] otherwise indicated. 4 CHEVRON FEATURE APRIL 1, 2011

Lance Cpl. Michael Ito Rifles fly as members of the Marine Corps’ Silent Drill Team perform during their March 12 visit to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. The drill team and the rest of the Battle Color Detachment put on a display of precision close order drill and entertained more than 500 San Diegans.

Pfc. Crystal Druery ‘The Commandant’s Own’ performed a total of six songs, including the 1896 John Philip Sousa classic “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” This wrapped up their performance, making their way for the second half of the program.

Pfc. Crystal Druery Pfc. Crystal Druery The Silent Drill Platoon performed complex drill movements across the black parade deck March 12. Wearing sharp The purpose of the Silent Drill Platoon is to showcase the discipline dress blue uniforms, they slapped their gloves against hand-polished, 10-and-a-half-pound rifles to stay in harmony and professionalism of the Marine Corps. They displayed exactly with one another. that on Marine Corps Recruit Depot’s parade deck March 12. CHEVRON FEATURE APRIL 1, 2011 5 Ceremonial rifles soar for San Diego by Pfc. Crystal Druery deck. They continued with four involving complex rifle spins and The basic requirements include Chevron staff other songs and finished their tosses. height ranging from 5’11” to 6’1” performance with the 1896 John The purpose of the Silent and maintain strict adherences to Rifles and drum beats soared Philip Sousa classic “The Stars Drill Platoon is to showcase the height and weight requirements. into the air at Marine Corps and Stripes Forever,” as they discipline and professionalism Unless selected to become one Recruit Depot San Diego, March made way for the second half of of the Marine Corps, which is of the two rifle inspectors, they 12, as the Marines of the Battle the program. exactly what was displayed on the serve a ceremonial tour of two Color Detachments put on a After waiting at parade rest, depot’s parade deck. years. thrilling display of precision the Silent Drill Platoon popped “We spend countless hours Cpl. Michael Hintz, drill drill and harmonious music. to attention and entered the of drilling and perform more master and rifle inspector from As everyone in the crowd reviewing area. They began than 100 shows a year,” said Cpl. Capers Villa, Mich., is on his anxiously awaited for the parade their performance of complex Austin Gullett, a Silent Drill third year assigned to the Silent to kick off that hot Saturday drill movements across the Platoon member from Phoenix. Drill Platoon. afternoon. black parade deck. Wearing In 1948, the Silent Drill “Our performances are The Drum and Bugle Corps sharp dress blue uniforms, they Platoon was put together for a what reflect our intense long opened the program with the slapped their gloves against one time demonstration for an practices,” said Hintz. popular Broadway song “Don’t hand-polished, 10-and-a-half- evening parade, but due to the While performing at Rain on my Parade.” This piece pound M1 Garand rifles to stay overpowering response, they numerous events throughout was made famous by Barbra in harmony with one another. soon became a regular part of the America, the Marines still Streisand who performed it in The Silent Drill Platoon routine for the parades at Marine maintain their infantry both the Broadway musical and consists of 24-riflemen who Barracks, Washington D.C. skills throughout the year at the film version of ‘Funny Girl.’ conduct an intense-drill The Marines chosen for this the Marine Corps Combat Then the Commandant’s performance without spoken platoon are selected from the Development Command in Own marched onto the parade cadence. The Marines drill with School of Infantry at Camp Quantico, Va., and other bases. deck as they rounded the the M1 Garand affixed with Pendleton, Calif., and Camp After giving the depot a show, flagpole in a crisp formation, bayonets and their performance Lejune, N. C., through interviews the Battle Color Detachment making their way into the always includes an impressive and background screenings headed to Atlanta for their next crowd’s view on the parade rifle inspection sequence conducted by barracks personnel. performance.

Lance Cpl. Michael Ito Rifles fly as members of the Marine Corps’ Silent Drill Team perform during their March 12 visit to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. The drill team and the rest of the Battle Color Detachment put on a display of precision close order drill and entertained more than 500 San Diegans.

Pfc. Crystal Druery Members of the Drum and Bugle Corps perform for staff, family and friends of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego March 12. These musicians have the distinction of being the only drum and bugle corps in America’s armed services.

Pfc. Crystal Druery Pfc. Crystal Druery Pfc. Crystal Druery ‘The Commandant’s Own’ kicked off the parade by playing the popular Broadway standard The Silent Drill Platoon was formed in 1948 for a one–time The purpose of the Silent Drill Platoon is to showcase the discipline “Don’t Rain on my Parade” as they rounded the flagpole in a crisp formation making their way demonstration during an evening parade, but due to the and professionalism of the Marine Corps. They displayed exactly into the crowd’s view on the parade deck. This piece has been performed by Barbra Streisand overpowering response, they soon became a regular part of that on Marine Corps Recruit Depot’s parade deck March 12. in both the Broadway musical and film versions of ‘Funny Girl.’ the the parades at Marine Barracks, Washington D.C. 6 CHEVRON FEATURE APRIL 1, 2011 Company G recruits achieve range landmark by Lance Cpl. Eric like while sighting in on simulated mindset and open up a learning trying to do,” said Sgt. Brandon Company. “There are a lot of Quintanilla targets. It’s not until the second environment where they could ask Green, PMI, Field Company. times the recruits come into the Chevron staff week that the recruits are taken to questions,” said Sampson. “The “Even though we get to know classroom with the mindset of the range and given ammunition to drill instructors were very helpful the recruits for a whole week ‘I just want to make it to chow,’ Every single recruit in Company practice on real targets. and able to assist us in opening up and see them every day, the and I have to guess what’s on G qualified on their first attempt Due to the supervision required this learning environment.” drill instructors have so much their mind and just assume they on the rifle range at , during the second week, range The drill instructors play an influence that it makes it hard to understand. It wasn’t like that Weapons and Field Training coaches come to assist the PMIs essential role in rifle qualification succeed without their help.” with this company.” Battalion, Marine Corps Base to make sure every recruit has the as well, making sure the recruits The difference in Company The recruits of Company G Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 4, opportunity to ask for help if they understand the importance of G was apparent from day one. came to the field ready to learn achieving a landmark not done in are having difficulties. There is marksmanship and ensuring that They started at an advanced level, and really showed that every recent years. an average of one range coach for it is the focus of their training at said Sgt. David Jilek, PMI, Field recruit is given the training to All 388 recruits from the every six recruits, but the platoon’s this point. Company. fulfill the mantra that every company fired for score and PMIs also watch closely to make “When the drill instructors “Company G asked a lot of Marine is a rifleman. qualified on the Table 1 Rifle sure the recruits are using the help out, whether it’s going over questions, and I think that’s really “The reward for me is knowing Qualification on their first attempt. fundamentals they learned the past the marksmanship knowledge what made them so successful. that the people I train are trained One recruit was unable to fire with week. or helping them snap in, the When the recruits ask questions, well, and because of that training, the rest of the company due to “We were able to get the recruits become that much it makes my job easier,” said [everyone gets] to come home,” medical reasons; however, he fired recruits out of the recruit more dedicated to what we’re Cpl. Steven Stewart PMI, Field said Jilek. on March 7 and also qualified, making a total of 389 recruits. WFTBn. uses the expression “gone clean” to describe when everyone qualifies on the first attempt. Although this has come close to happening in the past, this occurrence is believed to be the first. This is also a big accomplishment for the primary marksmanship instructors who lead their recruits to the top. The PMIs are responsible for teaching the recruits the foundation on how to handle and fire the M16-A4 service rifle safely and accurately. “Our job is to make the recruit become what every Marine is supposed to be, a basic rifleman,” said Sgt. Thomas P. Sampson, PMI, Field Company, WFTBn. Six PMIs, one assigned to each platoon, are responsible for helping the company qualify. For two weeks each PMI instills the art of basic marksmanship like stance, sight alignment and breath control. In “grass” week, the recruits practice firing the weapon with Lance Cpl. Eric Quintanilla no ammunition, which is referred Sgt. Eric Dies, primary marksmanship instructor, Field Company, Weapons Field Training Battalion, gives a class to a platoon of to as “snapping in.” This helps the recruits March 15. The recruits spend a week in a classroom setting to learn the basic functions and fundamentals of how to fire the recruits learn what the weapon feels M16A4 service rifle.

Vice Adm. George W. executive vice president, and subsequently He is the author of Historical Manuscripts in president, of Raytheon Technical Services. the Navy Department Library, Washington, Emery (retired) He has served as chairman of the Senior 1994, The George Henry Preble Collection Advisory Group to the Director, Los Alamos at the Navy Department Library (2006), Parade Reviewing Officer National Laboratory, and currently chairs The Rodgers Family Collection at the Navy the Submarine Technology Symposium Department Library (2007), Charles Morris: Vice Admiral George W. Emery, sponsored jointly by the Johns Hopkins A Man of Letters…and Numbers (2008), (Retired) graduated with distinction from University Applied Physics Laboratory and and Thomas Truxtun: “First Mentor” of the the U.S. Naval Academy in 1963. During the Naval Submarine League. Federal Navy (2010). He has contributed to his 33-year naval career he commanded Emery serves on the board of directors of several published works including America’s two nuclear submarines, served as a Carrier Sauer Compressors USA, Stevensville, Md. Naval Heritage. A Catalog of Early Imprints Battle Group chief of staff, executive assistant and First Support Services, Inc. of Dallas. From the Navy Department Library, to the Secretary of the Navy, deputy chief, He is a director of the Naval Submarine Washington, 2000; U.S. Navy. A Complete Naval Personnel for Manpower Policy League and a life trustee of the USS History, Naval Historical Foundation, 2003; and Career Development, and as the 24th Constitution Museum. and Leadership Embodied. The Secrets commander of U.S. and Allied Submarine From 1997 to 2006 the admiral was to Success of the Most Effective Navy and Forces, Atlantic. a member of the Secretary of the Navy’s Marine Corps Leaders, U. S. Naval Academy, After retirement he joined Raytheon as Advisory Subcommittee on Naval History. Annapolis, Md., 2005.

Maj. Gen. Matt Spain. Upon his return to the United the White House on May 4, 1983. Caulfield retired from the Marine States in 1965 he was assigned as the While serving in this capacity, he was Corps on July 2, 1990. In retirement, Caulfield (retired) Marine Corps representative to the selected for promotion to brigadier he has been active in programs Naval Audit Office, Washington, D.C. general in February 1985. involving Veterans’ employment, Parade Reviewing Officer After graduation from Amphibious He was advanced to that grade on serves on the board of the Military Warfare School, Quantico, Va., in April 18, 1985, and assigned duties Officers Association of America. Major General Matt Caulfield, June 1967, he was ordered to Vietnam, as Commanding General, Landing a New York City native, was where he served as the commanding Force Training Command, Atlantic/ commissioned after graduation from officer, Company I, 3rd Battalion 26th Commanding General, 4th Marine Fordham University in 1958. He is Marines. Amphibious Brigade, NAB, Little a 1963 graduate of the Army Special Further assignments included Creek, Norfolk, Va. Warfare School, Fort Bragg, N.C. He combat duty in , staff He returned to the Washington, received an M.S. degree from George assignments in Washington, D.C., D.C. area in April 1986 and was Washington University in 1966; an Southern and Japan. assigned duty as the director, Inter- MBA from Harvard University in He was selected in 1977 to attend American Region (ISA), Office of 1972. the Royal College of Defense Studies the Assistant Secretary of Defense Upon graduation from The Basic in London, England. Upon graduation on June 13, 1988. General Caulfield School in Quantico, Va., Caulfield was in 1978, he transferred to the Marine served in this capacity until he was assigned to the , Barracks, Washington, D.C., as the assigned duty as Deputy Commander Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he served Director of the . for Training and Education/Director, in a variety of infantry command and From 1982-1983 he served as a Marine Air-Ground Training staff billets. military fellow in the Council of and Education Center, MCCDC/ In 1963 Caulfield was promoted to Foreign Relations in New York. Commander, Marine Corps Schools, captain and assigned to sea duty as In a follow-on assignment, Quantico, Va., on Dec. 30, 1988. the commanding officer of the Marine Caulfield was assigned duties as He was promoted to major general Detachment, USS Holland, Rota, deputy director, the Military Office, on March 15, 1989. CHEVRON GRADUATING COMPANY APRIL 1, 2011 7

Platoon 3270 Platoon 3273 Platoon 3269 Platoon 3271 Platoon 3274 Platoon 3275 Platoon 3274 Platoon 3269 COMPANY HONOR MAN SERIES HONOR MAN PLATOON HONOR MAN PLATOON HONOR MAN PLATOON HONOR MAN PLATOON HONOR MAN HIGH SHOOTER (335) HIGH PFT (300) Pfc. J. D. Beckner Pfc. J. E. Frascona Pfc. R. A. Lopez Pfc. A. K. Kientz Pfc. T. D. Stone Pfc. S. A. Roehr Pvt. D. P. Nugent Pfc. R. A. Lopez Indianapolis, Ind. Chicago Orange, Calif. Oklahoma City Los Angeles Owatonna, Minn. Casper, Wyo. Orange, Calif. Recruited by Recruited by Recruited by Recruited by Recruited by Recruited by Marksmanship Instructor Recruited by Sgt. L. Perez Sgt. Vera Staff Sgt. E. O. Ruiz Sgt. T. D. Ring Staff Sgt. C. Morales Staff Sgt. P. W. Schmotter Sgt. T. P. Sampson Staff Sgt. E. O. Ruiz MIKE COMPANY HONOR PLATOON

3rd RECRUIT TRAINING SERIES 3269 PLATOON 3269 PLATOON 3270 PLATOON 3271 BATTALION Senior Drill Instructor Senior Drill Instructor Senior Drill Instructor Commanding Officer Capt. K. C. Creutzberg Staff Sgt. N. A. Solana Sgt. R. N. Caudle Staff Sgt. M. A. Bowman Lt. Col. N. C. Stevens Series Gunnery Sergeant Drill Instructors Drill Instructors Drill Instructors Sergeant Major Gunnery Sgt. C. R. Williams Staff Sgt. R. Curiel Jr. Sgt. R. A. Moctezuma Staff Sgt. L. A. Bourdony Sgt. Maj. D. A. Lee Staff Sgt. J. J. Godwin Sgt. L. R. Palmer Staff Sgt. L. S. Parker Chaplain Staff Sgt. A. A. Poznanski Sgt. J. D. Ruiz Sgt. G. Fuentes Lt. R. W. Peters III, USN Battalion Drill Master Staff Sgt. A. K. Bernatowski SERIES 3273 PLATOON 3273 PLATOON 3274 PLATOON 3275 COMPANY M Series Commander Senior Drill Instructor Senior Drill Instructor Senior Drill Instructor Commanding Officer Capt. H. N. Ashworth Staff Sgt. W. J. Kondziela Staff Sgt. M. G. Martinez-Ortiz Staff Sgt. C. L. Olinger Capt. S. Y. Smith Series Gunnery Sergeant Drill Instructors Drill Instructors Drill Instructors Company First Sergeant Staff Sgt. M. A. Rucker Staff Sgt. J. I. Chavez Staff Sgt. N. G. Seip Staff Sgt. D. R. Brewer 1st Sgt. L. E. Harrell Staff Sgt. R. Moreno Sgt. J. Muno Staff Sgt. A. Jurado-Segovia Sgt. G. A. Dulal-Whiteway Sgt. R. A. Vargas Sgt. F. Valenzuela

* Indicates Meritorious Promotion

PLATOON 3269 PLATOON 3270 PLATOON 3271 PLATOON 3273 PLATOON 3274 PLATOON 3275

Pvt. D. M. Akerlund Pvt. A. Adame Jr. *Pfc. J. Aguirre Pvt. C. W. Aguero Pfc. D. A. Leslie Pvt. P. J. Fishler *Pfc. T. N. Akolade Pvt. M. J. Albanese Pvt. E. P. Anderson *Pfc. O. Alcocer Pfc. W. K. Lewis Pvt. L. D. Frank *Pfc. R. M. Alexander Pvt. J. R. Allan Pvt. J. E. Anderson Pvt. A. Barriga Jr. Pvt. P. J. Ley Pvt. R. A. Haigler Pfc. W. C. Andrews Pvt. I. Andaverde Jr. Pvt. D. S. Beard Pvt. R. E. Berg Pvt. C. Z. Livingston Pvt. J. L. Marsh Pvt. G. E. Arajuo Pvt. B. W. Andersen Pvt. B. J. Bell *Pfc. C. H. Boden Pvt. N. C. Long Pfc. J. W. Mills Pvt. D. W. Aubuchon Pvt. R. J. Auerbach Pvt. N. A. Bidwell Pfc. A. L. Britzman Pvt. A. Lopez Pvt. J. R. Minor Pfc. S. M. Bailey Pfc. G. A. Barr Pvt. M. J. Bouziden II *Pfc. M. C. Brown Pfc. A. M. Marez Pvt. M. A. Miranda Pfc. R. Y. Barker Pvt. R. S. Basting Pvt. G. W. Butler Pvt. B. J. Brown-Johnson Pfc. R. Martinez III Pfc. S. P. Miranda Pfc. G. A. Barney *Pfc. J. D. Beckner Pfc. W. G. Byington Pvt. C. P. Brumm Pvt. A. Martinez Jr. Pvt. A. I. Morales Pvt. M. R. Beckham Pvt. H. N. Ben Pfc. K. T. Campbell Pvt. P. W. Budde Pvt. G. F. Matta Pvt. S. C. Morgan Pfc. B. T. Beeman Pvt. T. A. Billings Pvt. J. L. Carmona Pvt. B. H. Butler Pfc. D. W. Means *Pfc. K. R. Neitzke Pvt. J. M. Beliles Pvt. W. W. Brink Pvt. C. P. Carson Pvt. D. J. Callesto Pvt. A. C. Michel Pfc. D. O. Ongiyo Pfc. N. R. Bell Pfc. J. J. Brownlee Pvt. J. A. Carter Pvt. K. D. Carraway Pvt. Z. J. Michener Pvt. C. E. Ott Pvt. B. T. Bentley Pvt. M. D. Buesing Pfc. J. G. Cayford Pvt. A. Carrillo-Castilla Pvt. V. R. Militello Pvt. M. Ozuna Pfc. C. Bhandari Pvt. I. B. Burnett Pvt. R. B. Dahlgren Pvt. T. W. Clark Pfc. M. R. Millender Pfc. D. J. Peters Pvt. K. A. Bir Pvt. S. R. Calzada Pvt. J. R. Degen *Pfc. B. C. Cleary Pvt. B. W. Miller Pvt. J. J. Pety Pvt. Z. C. Brandt Pfc. N. D. Campana Pvt. A. De Los Santos Pfc. S. T. Coen Pvt. C. S. Mock Pvt. K. R. Powers Pfc. H. D. Burns Jr. Pvt. J. D. Canter Pfc. R. A. Dickinson Pvt. T. J. Davis Pvt. D. D. Moody Pfc. P. M. Presley Pfc. C. A. Casillas Pvt. P. A. Castillo Pvt. N. J. Diede Pvt. C. S. Drankiewicz Pfc. J. T. Neely Pfc. M. S. Pritsos Pvt. M. I. Ceja Pvt. P. W. Caywood Pfc. R. M. Doolittle Pfc. A. A. Dykeman Pvt. T. E. Nemeth Pvt. P. J. Ramirez Pfc. M. G. Ciccarello Jr. Pfc. C. L. Clark Pfc. D. Duque Pfc. J. E. Frascona Pfc. P. V. Nguyen Pvt. D. J. Rausch Pvt. V. J. Collins Jr. Pfc. J. J. Cloud Pvt. E. S. Ellsworth Pfc. R. A. Freiley Pvt. C. C. Novotny Pvt. C. R. Reed Pfc. J. G. Colmenero *Pfc. D. P. Colardo *Pfc. L. B. Falde Pvt. M. D. Gracia Pvt. D. P. Nugent Pfc. R. P. Reynoso Pfc. M. L. Crow *Pfc. J. T. Collins Pfc. C. D. Fowler Pvt. B. A. Hall Pfc. B. Obando *Pfc. M. J. Richardson Pvt. C. E. Crowder Pvt. J. H. Colvin *Pfc. J. J. Fritzhuspen Pfc. J. A. Hartwig Pfc. J. Ochoa Pfc. J. F. Rink *Pfc. J. A. Cruz Pfc. V. M. Cosme-Ruiz Pfc. R. V. Fulgencio Pvt. M. A. Humphrey Pfc. M. Ochoa Pfc. A. L. Robinson Pfc. J. H. Decker Pvt. F. Cruz Jr. Pvt. J. A. Galla Pvt. D. D. Kushlan Pvt. N. Palache Pvt. J. M. Robinson Pvt. E. F. Diaz Pvt. A. J. Cryderman Pfc. D. A. Goedker Pfc. R. S. Laurich Jr. Pfc. M. G. Palecek *Pfc. S. A. Roehr Pvt. N. D. Diehl Pfc. L. A. Cubias Pvt. S. R. Gomez Pvt. V. S. Lim Pvt. D. A. Patterson Pfc. K. A. Ross Pvt. C. A. Dobbins Pvt. E. De La Cruz Pvt. A. Gonzalez-Carrilo Pfc. M. P. Losure-Huntley Pvt. A. J. Pearson Pvt. A. M. Rothe Pfc. E. G. Dodds Pvt. A. J. Dozal Pvt. C. J. Gore II Pfc. W. E. Mancia Pfc. J. A. Perez Pfc. M. A. Ruelas Pvt. A. P. Dwyer Pvt. R. Engram Jr. Pfc. D. W. Gostenhofer Pfc. M. W. Merrill *Pfc. G. S. Peterson Pvt. I. J. Sandoval Jr. Pvt. K. R. Eckhardt Pfc. L. L. Everetts V *Pfc. B. J. Grabill Pvt. A. L. Miller Pfc. T. B. Pham Pfc. S. B. Santoyo Pfc. W. R. Gifford Pfc. C. B. Farrell Pvt. J. J. Greathouse Pvt. J. C. Mister *Pfc. J. M. Portillo Pvt. B. D. Sartorius Pfc. T. E. Gilliland Pvt. N. M. Ford Pvt. M. L. Griggs Pvt. P. T. Mitchell Pfc. S. M. Prentice Pfc. W. H. Schwartz Pvt. E. Gomez-Leal Pfc. J. L. Franklin Pvt. K. S. Haddad Pfc. T. J. Mitchell Pvt. J. S. Price Pvt. J. M. Schwieg Pvt. J. A. Hamilton Pfc. E. P. Geesaman Pvt. T. A. Hamstra Pvt. E. Morales Pvt. D. J. Prieto Pvt. P. L. Seay Jr. Pvt. T. J. Hanson Pvt. T. R. Gibson Pvt. J. Heard Pvt. M. J. Morta Pvt. M. A. Ramsay Pfc. M. J. Sisco Pvt. A. J. Harris Pvt. R. A. Gomez Pvt. T. A. Hemmingsen Pvt. D. W. Murphy Pfc. E. Reyes Pvt. D. L. Sizeland II Pvt. S. N. Heckenburg Pfc. C. Halbert-Crump Pfc. J. B. Herbert Pfc. C. J. Navarette Pvt. S. R. Reyes *Pfc. G. M. Stearns Pvt. J. D. Henderson Pvt. G. D. Hankins Pvt. N. J. Hernandez Pfc. A. A. Navickas Pvt. J. M. Romias Pvt. S. M. Stockdale Pvt. J. A. Horan Pvt. G. M. Harris Pvt. J. T. Hoover Pfc. R. D. Neely Jr. Pfc. A. Rosas Jr. Pfc. S. E. Streeter *Pfc. C. O. Jackson Pvt. W. J. Heine Pvt. A. J. Hudzik Pfc. B. M. Nowicki Pvt. C. L. Rothlis Pvt. C. R. Stubblefield Pvt. M. S. Kakar Pfc. E. L. Henry Pvt. K. A. James Pfc. J. G. Norita Pvt. A. C. Roze Pvt. R. L. Sturdevant Pvt. G. M. Kromer Pfc. J. M. Hodgeholm Pfc. J. J. Jenkins Pvt. D. K. Orourke Pfc. M. D. Rule Pfc. J. D. Szymanski Pvt. J. Larios Pvt. J. D. Howery Pfc. D. Jimenez-Flores Pvt. C. H. Parmley Pfc. R. A. Salazar Pvt. L. G. Talabucon Pvt. L. M. Leary Pfc. J. E. Howie Pvt. B. H. Johnson Pvt. E. D. Perez Pfc. J. F. Sanchez Pvt. M. R. Talley Pvt. L. A. Legoretta Pvt. S. M. Jaucian Pvt. R. C. Jordan Pvt. M. A. Perkins Pvt. D. D. Sanders Pvt. J. R. Taylor Pfc. A. Leon Pvt. C. L. Javarone Pvt. E. M. Kelly Pvt. J. I. Price Pfc. M. P. Shoemaker Pvt. R. N. Terry Pvt. M. R. Leverett Pvt. B. P. Johansen *Pfc. A. K. Kientz Pfc. R. D. Pyle Pvt. T. E. Smith Pvt. C. E. Thomas Pvt. I. P. Linder Pvt. T. L. Jones Pvt. A. J. Krings Pfc. N. L. Roberts Pvt. A. L. Staggs Pvt. T. A. Trofimchuck Pfc. R. A. Lopez Pfc. D. L. Kagy Pvt. J. T. Lilley Pvt. Z. S. Rowden *Pfc. T. D. Stone Pvt. K. L. Tryboski Pvt. T. S. Mace Pfc. A. J. Kjer Pvt. H. W. Limbaugh Pvt. M. H. Russell Pfc. Z. R. Stumpf Pvt. T. B. Turk Pfc. J. Magdaleno Pvt. B. W. Kowitz Pfc. C. C. Logsdon Pfc. J. Santillan Jr. Pfc. T. V. Tilak Pfc. J. M. Tyler Pfc. K. G. Mancia Pfc. C. A. Kral Pfc. J. L. Lopez Pvt. J. R. Sawyer Pvt. C. Tobon Pvt. R. G. Urias Jr. Pvt. Z. W. Marshall *Pfc. M. L. Lajeunesse Pfc. J. L. Macy Pfc. E. W. Schimpf Pvt. K. B. Todd Pfc. R. Vargas Pvt. D. K. Marzalek Pvt. J. I. Lazo Pfc. R. S. Magana Pfc. D. E. Schmiers Pvt. C. G. Trussell Pvt. E. Vargas-Correa Pfc. N. J. Maske Pvt. E. Leal Jr. Pvt. T. J. McCrumb Pvt. D. C. Schneider Pfc. J. R. Vanek Jr. Pfc. E. D. Vaughn Pfc. A. M. Mayer Pvt. M. R. MacKenzie Pvt. C. A. McDonald Pvt. M. C. Snyder Pvt. K. M. Varas-deValdes Pvt. R. A. Vega Pfc. A. M. McElligott Pfc. K. M. McDermott Pvt. C. J. Meisel Pvt. P. B. Thompson Pvt. C. O. Villalba Pvt. J. S. Waldrop Pvt. B. M. McManners Pvt. R. M. Moyer Pfc. D. K. Pennington Pvt. R. L. Turner Pvt. G. M. Vincent Pvt. K. A. Walker Pvt. J. C. Milne Pvt. J. N. Osteen Pvt. T. E. Robinson Pvt. R. U. Vargas Pfc. E. L. Wade Pfc. V. R. Warzecha Pvt. C. E. Olivares Pvt. M. B. Oyler Pfc. M. C. Sullivan Jr. Pfc. A. W. Wagoner *Pfc. D. J. Whitby Pvt. R. J. Watt Pvt. P. Osuna Pvt. L. E. Prado Pfc. R. M. Sullivan Pvt. M. D. Webster Pvt. J. R. Witalls Pfc. T. L. West Pfc. T. S. Paylor *Pfc. R. Rivera Jr. Pfc. M. J. Swanson Pfc. M. J. Webster Pfc. P. Wong *Pfc. M. J. Whelton IV Pvt. M. L. Sica Jr. Pfc. Z. L. Sanders Pfc. P. D. Swanson Pvt. K. E. Wilson Pvt. J. B. Wormly Pvt. G. L. White Pfc. J. T. Vega Pvt. I. A. Trower Pvt. S. P. Taylor Pfc. J. M. Young Pvt. F. M. Yang Pvt. J. A. Woodruff Pvt. L. K. Young Jr. Pvt. K. J. Wright Pvt. L. A. Zuniga Pvt. J. I. Yarde Jr. 8 CHEVRON FEATURE APRIL 1, 2011

Robbin Cresswell/U.S. Air Force The U.S. Marine Corps broke the Army’s winning streak when Lance Cpl. Abraham Lopez, left, dominated Spc. Guy Jean-Baptiste, shutting him out for the first two rounds of their bout and holding him at bay in the third for the 16-5 win. Lopez took gold in the bantamweight class. Marine defeats Army boxer, takes gold medal by Lance Cpl. Eric Diego fighting dojo where he Quintanilla was approached to join the All- Chevron staff Marine Boxing team. Lopez was reluctant at first due to it being Hand raised in the air after the based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. championship boxing match came However, Capt. George Mittnacht, to an end, all he could think was commanding officer of special how all his hard work paid off. training company, explained the Lance Cpl. Abraham Lopez, opportunities available to him administrative clerk for the through the team. assistant chief of staff recruiting, “I didn’t want to grow up and competed in the 2011 Armed regret not taking this chance,” Forces Boxing Championship at said Lopez. “I wanted to know if I Lackland Air Force Base, Texas could make it.” Feb. 18. He defeated Army Spc. Mittnacht drove Lopez to Guy Jean-Baptiste 16 to 5, in the Encinitas, Calif., to train and try 123-pound weight class and took out for the All-Marine Boxing home the gold medal. Team. After just one session, Lopez was able to stay ahead of he was invited to join the team his opponent in points by holding in Camp Lejuene and begin his out for three rounds consisting of training. A typical training day three minutes. In order for him to for Lopez consisted of running, score a point, he had to connect weights and sparring. the white spot on his glove with The most important thing to the opponent’s face, and the judges keep in mind while training is to had to agree to award a point. always be challenging and stay a The 123-pound weight class step ahead of the opponent at all was the third match of the day and times, said Lopez. the first that the Army had lost. Due to his win in Texas, Lopez Although the All Army Team won has a spot in the Olympic trials, the team award, the Marine Corps where he will have the chance to brought home a total of three gold make the United States Olympic medals that day. team. Lopez began his training with Lopez will also be flying to the All-Marine Boxing team on Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, for the Feb. 1, and competed in just one International Military Sports other match to get him to the Council games in July. The championship. games are one of the largest Lopez, 19, a Calexico, Calif. multi-disciplinary organizations native, began boxing at 12 years in the world. They organize old when a friend asked him to various sporting events for the accompany him to the gym. He armed forces for all 133 countries has been in love with the sport involved. ever since, he said. Lopez has now been reassigned After winning a California to Camp Lejuene, where he can tournament, he was invited to try better focus on his training and be out for the Baja California, with his fellow teammates. team, where he went on to win “I’m proud of myself,” said two state championships. Lopez. “It’s the opportunity of a Staff Sgt. Sharida Jackson/U.S. Air Force He began training at the lifetime to represent the Marine Lance Cpl. Abraham Lopez puts on his boxing shoes before his Armed Forces Boxing Championship Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Corps in a big tournament.” 123-pound title fight at the Chaparral Fitness Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 18.