Figh t e r t o w n The is t r e n d i n g o n Tw i t t e r ... Friday, Jet Oct. 14, 2011 Se a r c h #TJSs c Vol. 46, No. 39 f o r t h e l a t e st Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. Air St a t i o n n e w s “The noiseStream you hear is the sound of freedom.” #TJSsc Inside Prepare to be challenged Abroad H&HS raises bar for board recognition Lance Cpl. Timothy Norris Staff Writer Marines are always looking for an edge to put them a step ahead of their peers when it comes to promotion. One tool for enhancing that com- petitiveness is Marine of the year or quarter and meritorious boards. Gunnery Sgt. Maurice Bease, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron gunnery sergeant, VMA-513 stays spearheaded changes to the board process for diligent H&HS, saying the additions represent the full n Page 3 abilities of the Marines and make the boards more competitive. Three Marines have blazed through these boards and came out on top with distinction. Sergeant Robert Lark with Aircraft Recovery is the H&HS NCO of the year, while the Marine of the Year is Lance Cpl. Matthew Hamel with the Distribution Management Office. Corporal Clar- ence Canty with Air Traffic Control has been se- Staff Sgt. Brian Kester lected to go to Marine Corps Instillations East to Lance Cpl. Robert Bullock, an Air Traffic Control trainee gives the order, right face, to the represent H&HS on a meritorious board. Marines in his charge at the ATC facility Oct. 11. The ATC Marines are learning close order “Healthy competition has always driven the drill and sword manual in anticipation of corporals course and participation in future Ma- Fightertown takes Marine Corps,” said Bease. He continued by rine of the quarter boards. second at rodeo saying that Marines tend to thrive in competitive n Page 3 environments, and that helps to build a unit’s co- inspection were added to the process to more session with the Marine. Bease wanted to im- hesiveness through healthy competition. closely review the applicant’s character and prove this process, ensuring the most compe- Events like leading a platoon through a drill leadership abilities in action. card, a physical fitness or combat fitness test, Before, the boards consisted of a review of an a Marine Corps knowledge test and a uniform applicant’s record with a question and answer s e e Bo a r d s , p a g e 6 Feature Dress stress relieved Ball gown ‘Black Friday’ a success Combat correspondent Lance Cpl. Rubin J. Tan shares journal entries Staff Writer n Page 7 Operation Ball Gown hosted their third annual event Oct. 6, at the Officers’ Club, offering spouses a chance to get that perfect dress for the upcoming Marine Corps Birthday Ball celebration. Photo The event began at 6 p.m., but with excited spouses eager Special photo/Staff Sgt. James Richardson to start, long lines formed earlier. The scene was reminis- Major Gen. John Toolan, the commanding general of Regional Com- cent of the chaos and excitement of an early morning on Feature mand Southwest and Maj. Gen. Glenn Walters, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Black Friday. (Forward) commanding general, stand among the leadership of the Sylvia Wood, a Roanoke, Va., native, stood patiently at the Afghan Army at a dinner for coalition leaders at , Af- end of the line waiting for her chance to receive a dress to ghanistan, Sept. 28. U.S. Marines, British forces and Afghan soldiers have call her own. fought and worked together to quell the insurgency. “I decided to come here for the first time – this year – be- cause it is a great way to save a little money, since prices are always rising in this harsh economy,” said Wood, a Weap- Coalition builds camaraderie by ons and Field Training Battalion spouse. For some, MCCS not only gave away free gowns, but they also made going to the ball this year more easily attainable. remembering loss, celebrating “This is nice because you do not have to spend $300 on a dress you only wear once,” said Elysia Jacobs, a Marine triumph together in Fighter Attack Squadron 251 spouse. A walk through Tables topped with jewelry, handbags and shoes in Cpl. Justin M. Boling by-side with Afghan troops in south- various styles, colors and sizes filled the room allowing River Street 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) n Page 6 western Afghanistan. The coalition CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghani- forces also offer aerial support, mili- stan — With tables set and food tary training and mentorship to the Af- s e e Dr e s s , p a g e 6 prepared, officers from three nations ghan military, boosting its proficiency gathered together under a single in fighting the insurgency here. Did you tent on 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Colonel Ben Hancock, the assistant (Forward)’s compound at Camp wing commander of 2nd Marine Air- know... Leatherneck, Afghanistan. craft Wing (Forward), said Afghan During the dinner, leaders from the troops have shown their strength in Oct. 14, Afghan National Army, British forces military training and operations. The and the U.S. Marine Corps gathered dinner highlights the importance of 1950, MAG- around a few tables for a hearty meal building camaraderie, he added. and to reflect on their service togeth- The Marines and British troops served 12 began er in Afghanistan. as hosts, explained Col. Peter Eadie, the “The event was very good for our commander of Task Force Jaguar, the operations relationship with our allies,” said British aviation element of the NATO Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. International Security Assistance Force out of North Ghulam Farooq Parwani, the deputy in southwestern Afghanistan. commanding general of the Afghan “Our relationship with our Afghan Korea Army’s 215th Corps. “We are very peers is very strong,” said Eadie. “It Lance Cpl. Rubin J. Tan happy to celebrate our coalition and A wide variety of dresses in various sizes and styles the successes we have shared.” are availabe for spouses to choose from during Index Marines and British forces fight side- s e e Di n n e r , p a g e 6 Operation Ball Gown. Main Mess Hall Menu n 2 News Briefs n 2 Need to Know n 2 Corps Shot n 3 Raising money for the ball Feature n 7 Classifieds n 8 Get your tickets now... Page 5 www.beaufortball.com 2 The Jet Stream Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 Command Information Fightertown News Briefs The Air Station Base The 2011 Prince The annual Veteran’s Day Parade Pink Walks gets the Chapel is looking for mu- William Cycle Tour will begin on Rodgers St. and con- Tri-Command involved sicians to participate in in Yemassee offers tinue through the downtown Beaufort and informed about Breast a Christmas concert for a 62 or 35-mile parade route at 9 a.m., Nov. 11. Cancer aboard the Air Sta- the holidays. Practices bike ride through Afterward, a ceremony will be held tion, Marine Corps Recruit are held at 6 p.m., Tues- the historic country at 11 a.m. in the Beaufort National Depot Parris Island and days at the base chapel. roads of Prince Wil- Cemetery. Any person, group, school Naval Hospital Beaufort. For more information, liam Parish starting or organization wishing to participate Pink Walks is scheduled contact the Marine Air- at 8:30 a.m., Oct. is encouraged to complete a parade 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., today, craft Group 31 chaplain’s 22. For more infor- entry form no later than Oct. 28. For at the Air Station Fitness office at 228-7200 or mation on the ride more information and parade entry Trail. For more information, JoBeth Peterman at or to register, call forms, contact the Veteran’s Affairs contact Kathy Williams at 644-5353. 441-7402. office at 228-6880. 228-7616.

The HuRricane help Jet Me ss Ha l l Me n u Regular Shelters Stream Contact us: Monday - Friday Saturday, Sunday -Bluffton High School, 12 H.E. McCracken Circle, Bluffton Breakfast: 6 - 7:30 a.m. and holidays (capacity 1,128) 228-7225 Lunch: 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Brunch: 8 - 11 a.m. -Battery Creek High School, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort [email protected] Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m. (capacity 1,086) [email protected] -Bluffton Elementary School, 160 H.E. McCracken Circle, Bluffton Mi d r a t s Commanding Officer MCAS Beaufort (capacity 439) Sunday - Thursday Col. Brian Murtha -Okatie Elementary School, 1657 Okatie Highway, Okatie 11:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. (capacity 390) Public Affairs Officer 1st Lt. Sharon A. Hyland * Take-out window: Monday - Friday 7:30 - 10 a.m. Note: Beaufort County may use these shelters only in a Category 1. No Sunday - Thursday 6 - 8:30 p.m. shelters are opened locally for any storm that is a Category 2 or more. Public Affairs Chief During a Category 2 storm or greater, alternate shelters will be set up in Gunnery Sgt. Stephen Traynham Saturday other counties. Law enforcement security Lunch Dinner will be provided at each shelter. Beef, barley and Swiss steak and Community Relations Chief Cpl. Courtney C. White onion soup potatoes Special-Needs Shelters

Sunday Press Chief -Beaufort Elementary School, 1800 Prince St, Beaufort Staff Sgt. Brian Kester Lunch Dinner (capacity 407) Baked citrus herb fish Meatloaf and -H.E. McCracken Middle School, Editor and brown rice okra melange 250 H.E. McCracken Circle, Bluffton Lance Cpl. Kevin T. Ferguson Monday - Friday Breakfast (capacity 358) Note: These shelters provide limited medical Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven fried bacon Staff Writers assistance from nurses/attendants Sgt. Gina C. Rindt Monday Such as helping patients with taking shots, cleaning a wound, changing Cpl. Josh Pettway Lunch Dinner a dressing, and basic first aid medical treatment Patients that are on Cpl. Justin M. Boling Beef short ribs and Jerk pork loin and any type of equipment that requires electricity should not use this Lance Cpl. R.J. Driver steamed rice Islander’s rice shelter, but should seek relocation to a facility that can accommodate Lance Cpl. Rubin J. Tan them. Patients using the special-needs shelter will be Tuesday Lance Cpl. Timothy Norris Lunch Dinner required to have a capable caretaker with them. Fried chicken and Roast beef and but- Items to Bring mashed potatoes tered potatoes Wednesday facebook.com/TheJetStream The American Red Cross asks that evacuees seeking shelter bring the Lunch Dinner following items with them to the shelter: facebook.com/MCASBeaufort Glazed chicken and Swedish meatballs and corn on the cob rice pilaf -Change of clothing (enough for several days) Thursday -Linens (pillows, blankets, sheets and towels) @TheJetStreamSC Lunch Dinner -Any necessary prescription medications Search #TJSsc for Fightertown news Chicken and dump- Herb roasted chicken -Child’s favorite toys or comfort items lings and rice and dirty rice -Formula, diapers and other supplies for your children @MCASBeaufortSC Friday -Food/Water Lunch Dinner Wind Damage Roasted turkey and Cajun chicken and jalapeno corn bread mcasbeaufortsc.wordpress.com green beans The extent of wind damage is based upon the hurricane’s strength or wind speed. Flying debris or projectiles such as signs, trees, glass, Editor’s note: We at The Jet Stream care about roof shingles, lawn furniture and toys can cause severe property damage our reader’s opinion. In reaching our goal to as well as major injuries or even death. The National Hurricane Center uses the Saffir Simpson Scale to put out the best possible product, we under- classify hurricanes by their wind speeds into five categories. stand the importance of your feedback. Please add a comment to the “How can we improve Category 1 The Jet Stream?” topic on our www.facebook. -Winds 74 to 95 mph com/MCASBeaufort discussion board on how -Minimal structural damage -Mobile homes at risk we can better your base newspaper. -Power lines, signs and tree branches blown down Published by the Savannah Morning News, a private -Storm surge, four to five feet firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the United States Marine Corps, the United Category 2 States Navy, or Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., -Winds 96 to 110 mph under exclusive written contract with the United States -Moderate structural damage to walls, roofs and windows Marine Corps. This commercial-enterprise newspaper -Mobile homes at greater risk is an authorized publication for members of the military Ch a p e l Se r v i c e s -Large signs and tree branche s blown down services. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the -Storm surge, six to eight feet official views of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine Corps or the U.S. Navy Roman Catholic Category 3 and do not imply endorsement thereof. The appear- ance of advertising in this publication, including inserts • 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Mass -Winds 111 to 130 mph and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by • 11:15 a.m. - Weekly Mass: Tuesday, -Extensive structural damage to walls, roofs and windows the DoD, the Marine Corps, the Navy, Marine Corps Air Wednesday and Thursday -Trees blown down Station Beaufort, S.C., or the Savannah Morning News -Storm surge, nine to 12 feet of the products or services advertised. Everything in Protestant this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, • 9:45 a.m. - Protestant Church School Category 4 -Winds 131 to 155 mph gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical (Sunday School) -Extreme damage to structures handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor • 11 a.m. - Protestant Sunday Worship of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation of this and roofs Service equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, -Trees uprooted the contractor shall refuse to print advertising from that • 11:30 a.m. - Wednesday Bible Study -Storm surge, 13 to 18 feet source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content • 5 p.m. - Protestant Bible Study (i.e., all content other than paid advertisements) is ed- Category 5 ited, prepared and provided by the public affairs office of Other Faith Groups -Winds in excess of 155 mph the installation. All queries concerning news and editorial • For Jewish, Mormon and Islamic -Catastrophic damage content should be directed to: Jet Stream, Marine Corps Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 55001, MCAS Beaufort, support, contact the Chaplain’s Office at -Structures destroyed -Storm surge, 18 feet or more S.C., 29904 or (843) 228-7225. All queries concerning 228-7775 business matters or display ads should be directed to the Savannah Morning News at (843) 597-9100. Squadron Happening Things you need to know Fraud, Waste and Abuse Marine Fighter Attack If you know of or suspect any fraud, Siren sound meanings Squadron 122 invites all waste or abuse aboard MCAS Beaufort, Upon notification from the weather office, Giant Voice pre-recorded call 228-7777. messages will be broadcast. All destructive weather notifications begin and Werewolves and spouses to a If you know of or suspect any fraud, end with a 12 second wailing siren. Then follow on information is repeated family readiness meeting to- waste or abuse within MAG-31, call twice between siren wails. The following are abbreviated examples of each (252) 466-5038. warning that will be broadcast through Giant Voice. night at 7 p.m. at Port Royal The automated answering service on Pasta in Beaufort. For More these lines are available 24 hours a day. -Lightning within 5 nautical miles... announced sounding “all clear”. information, -Thunder storm Condition 1, winds up Test tone – A steady tone will be to 50 knots and/ or hail up to 3/4 of an broadcast for 10 seconds, followed call 228- Sexual Assault inch… by an alert stating “This is a test” and 6074. The contact numbers for a Uniformed -Tornado condition 1 a tornado then another 10 second tone. Victim Advocate are 228-4784 and is imminent… For more information please call 228- 228-4110. The after hours number is -Tornado condition 2… observed 7904, or for example warning tones, 592-0646. within 60 nautical miles visit: www.whelen.com/outdoor/warn- -An all clear broadcast will be ingtones.htm. Around the Corps The Jet Stream Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 3 Fightertown deployed: VMFA-115 Silver Eagles VMFA(AW)-224 Bengals Co r p s Bi t s are currently deployed as part of the are currently deployed in to Marine support of Weapons and Tactics Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Instructor Course 1-12 to Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif.

Aviation ground support changes hands in Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — The gentle thump of helicopter blades wafts over a formation of Marines at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. In a ceremony just before dawn, the Ma- rines of Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 assumed the mission of ensuring that sound never stops. Support squadrons complete a num- ber of missions on the ground to keep the aircraft of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) flying. This includes refuel- ing jets and helicopters, aircraft rescue fire fighting, construction and motor transport support. Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, Photos by Pfc. Sean Dennison based in New River, N.C., carried out those Corporal Michael Garetz, a Marine Attack Squadron 513 ordnance technician and Comstock, Texas, native, inspects tasks until early October when they relin- flares loaded aboard one of the squadron’s AV-8B Harriers on the flightline at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 29. quished command to Marine Wing Sup- port Squadron 371, deployed from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. Lt. Col. Dale Kruse, the Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 commanding of- Marine Harrier squadron ficer, led his squadron in support of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) for more stays diligent throughout than six months. Support squadrons expand the reach deployment to Afghanistan of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) by creating landing zones, expedition- Pfc. Sean Dennison ary airfields, and forward arming and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) refueling points. KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — The temperatures These support squadron projects al- in Afghanistan are cooling, but the Marines of Marine Attack low British and U.S. Marine Corps air- Squadron 513 are losing no steam as they continue to support craft to fly farther and stay in the air NATO International Security Force Operations from Kanda- longer supporting coalition troops in har Airfield, Afghanistan. southwestern Afghanistan. Since May the Marines have been working 24 hours a day in While deployed to Afghanistan, Marine conditions far from comfortable. Temperatures have turned Wing Support Squadron 272 added taxi- the working environment into an oven. An intense flight ways to the runway of Camp Bastion, schedule has kept the Marines on their toes for as long as created a runway for unmanned aerial ve- they’ve been in country. hicles at Camp Leatherneck, and built doz- “Each shop has its own specific job to make sure each and ens of helicopter landing zones, dotting the every system performs at maximum to send the safest aircraft Helmand River valley. out with that pilot [on a mission],” explained Cpl. Brandon Though Marine Wing Support Squad- Jones, a Marine Attack Squadron 513 airframes mechanic and ron 371 deployed to Afghanistan two years Huntsville, Ala., native. ago, they will support a much larger force The “Flying Nightmares” of Marine Attack Squadron 513 in this deployment. are part of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) the in support of NATO operations in southwest- ern Afghanistan. The Marine Corps uses the vertical take-off and short-landing capabilities of the AV-8B Harrier attack jet to provide close-air support to Marine infantrymen and other coalition forces on the ground. “If there’s anything I can do to protect them, I will,” Sergeant Justin Jacob, a Marine Attack Squadron 513 pow- added Staff Sgt. James Seigfried, the Harrier squadron’s erline mechanic and Houston native, performs a preflight avionics noncommissioned officer-in-charge and a Rosa- assessment on one of the squadron's AV-8B Harriers on mond, Calif., native. the flightline at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 29. Throughout their four months in Afghanistan, the Har- rier squadron has racked up hundreds of flight hours and dropped dozens of bombs. Yet, even with the prospect of home only a few months away, the Marines haven’t forgot- ten their mission. “It feels pretty good knowing Marines’ lives are in our hands and knowing everyone is doing the best they can to support them,” said Cpl. Michael Prince, a Marine Attack Squadron 513 powerline mechanic and Battle Creek, Mich., native. Cherry Point Aside from the knowledge that they’ve allowed fellow Ma- rines to live to fight another day, the Harrier squadron’s Ma- hosts firefighting rines said they also take away something more personal from this deployment. rodeo “This deployment has given me a sense of self-satisfac- tion and a ridiculous amount of self-confidence,” said Cpl. Michael Garetz, a VMA-513 ordnance technician and Com- MARINE CORPS AIR STATION stock, Texas, native. CHERRY POINT, N.C. — East Coast Aircraft Rescue Fire fighting Marines Connect with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) demonstrated their skills while com- Corporal David Chang, a Marine Attack Squadron 513 throughout the deployment. Stay up to date with the peting in the 25th Annual East Coast ordnance technician and Los Angeles native, inserts a box latest 2nd MAW (Fwd.) news, photos and videos at ARFF Rodeo aboard Marine Corps Air of flares into one of the squadron's AV-8B Harriers on the Station Cherry Point Oct. 1. http://www.facebook.com/2ndmawfwd. flightline at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 29. The teams competed in several races, which included: a bunker gear drill, fireman’s carry, saw cutting and mul- tiple other gear carries. Each event tested the Marines physically. Corps Shot The Cherry Point team started its training in August and worked on its Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter skills daily to be more competitive for the competition, said Staff Sgt. Christo- Three CH-46E Sea Knights pher M. Smith, the event organizer for with Marine Medium Helicop- the rodeo and the administration chief for ARFF. ter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) After the competition was over, the carrying Marines with the 11th reigning champions from MCAS New River stood tall and took home the cov- Marine Expeditionary Unit’s eted “Gold Nozzle,” as they’ve done the maritime raid force prepare to past two years. Cherry Point finished the day in third debark the amphibious trans- place behind MCAS Beaufort. Marine port dock New Orleans Oct. 8 Corps Air Facility Quantico and Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue to conduct a live-fire exercise. rounded out the rest with Bogue finish- ing last. 4 The Jet Stream Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 Photo Feature

A walk through River Street

On the edge of the Historic District of Savannah, is thriving, nos- talgic River Street offering great attractions for families, couples, singles and artists of every kind. Uneven cobblestones pave the street lined with elegant architec- ture such as buildings, statues, tunnels and fountains belonging to the past. The historic streets can become crowded as they offer festivals from the nationally renowned St. Patrick’s Day celebration to Octo- berfest. Other than festivals, events are held along the streets year round for visitors. Many artists and street performers impress passing tourist on their way to trolley and riverboat tours. Novelty stores, ice cream shops, candy stores, restaurants and bars are all found along the very lively River Street day or night. Those who are looking for a place to visit filled with bustling life, music and history should begin their journey on River Street in Savannah, Ga. The Jet Stream Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 5 In Other News Marines support next year’s ball

Lance Cpl. Rubin J. Tan vices for customers who wish to leave Staff Writer their vehicle while they shop. Prices for ball tickets can be quite “This is a great way to help offset the expensive, but many Marines get what prices for the Marines and their spouses they pay for as they don their most for- who are going to attend the Marine Corps mal uniform and celebrate the Marine Ball,” said Cox, a Lansing, Mich., native. Corps Birthday with their spouses and Marines and spouses can also help fellow Marines. raise money for the ball by attending a Squadrons on the Air Station have Haunted House, which will be hosted been finding ways such as bake sales, by Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, haunted houses and car washes to raise and opens Oct.19 through Halloween. money to ease the price for Marines who Being creative and showing good ini- wish to purchase tickets for the Marine tiative has been at the forefront for Ma- Corps Ball. rines seeking ways to lower costs, but The prices for this year’s ball tickets are it must fall within guidelines set by the final, but that does not stop service mem- joint ethics regulations. bers from fundraising or finding ways to “There is a set of guidelines for what reduce the price for next year’s ball. is acceptable for service members to Combat Logistics Company 23 donat- participate in when raising money,” said ed all $1,000 from winning the 101 Days Mark Story, Marine Corps Community of Summer prize to Marine Corps Com- Service contracting officer. munity Services for the 2012 Marine “It should be encouraged for squad- Corps Ball. rons to come up with creative ideas to In preparation for next year, Marine help raise money, whether it is car wash- Fighter Attack Squadron 312 has been es or bake sales,” said Story, a Denver. raising money by holding unit car wash- For fund raising ideas, practitioners es on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Par- should contact their chain of command, ris Island. or MCCS at 228-7400 to ensure ideas fall “We have car washes outside the com- within the joint ethics regulations. Ma- missary near payday, targeting all De- rine Corps ball tickets can be purchased partment of Defense employees,” said at www.beaufortball.com. DaNeil Cox, VMFA-312 Family Readi- ness Officer. The squadron has offered valet ser- 6 The Jet Stream Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 More of the Story

BOARDS Canty as the type of Marine ment’s notice.” continued from page 1 who stood out and definitely The positive influence earned the recognition. of one Marine can affect Canty has excelled since many, and possibly the tent Marine is awarded. recruit training. He was entire Corps, said Bease, Marines who are physi- promoted meritoriously to citing examples like recent cally and mentally prepared lance corporal during re- Medal of Honor recipient and display confidence are cruit training, selected for a Sgt. Dakota Meyer. the ones who stand out meritorious mast at Marine “What I’m hoping will during these boards and Combat Training, and was happen is, section chiefs may eventually receive the the honor graduate of his will take the time to moti- award, Bease said. military occupational spe- vate their Marines and train Canty, an air traffic control- cialty class. them, in turn making them ler, was selected as the NCO “I was glad to see the more competitive,” said of the quarter for H&HS change,” said Canty. “This Bease. “What that will do for and then went on to win the way they get to see well- our unit is enhance the level H&HS meritorious promo- rounded Marines and of espirit de corps in our tion board. Bease described what they can do at a mo- young Marines.”

DRESS DINNER sistance Force troops in continued from page 1 continued from page 1 southwestern Afghanistan. “Tonight is about the collective sacrifice of our attendants to choose from was made evident in the nations and to pay trib- a large selection. short speech given by ute to all those who gave “To get ready for the Brigadier General Farooq the ultimate sacrifice,” ball, the cost of hair, during the festivities.” said 2nd Lt. Jay Glover, makeup, shoes, jewelry “The event to us felt the most junior officer and child care can all get like a celebration of our present at the event. quite expensive, with the established friendship Spread throughout the holidays approaching, and growth,” said Fa- tables were 60 identifica- everything can get pret- rooq. “Due to everyone’s tion tags looped around ty stressful,” said Kelly hard work, we constantly flickering candles. Each Edens, the Operation Ball see security improve- tag bore the name of Gown coordinator. ments toward a more a fallen coalition troop It is never too late or early stable Afghanistan.” who had given his life to begin donating ball gowns Eadie said he felt in- in Afghanistan. and accessories, Edens said. spired to see how much “The underlying theme Marine Corps Family Team the Afghan troops appre- for the evening was ev- Building at the Air Station ciate the efforts of the co- eryone celebrating work- and Marine Corps Recruit alition to help them keep ing together and the Depot Parris Island are al- Afghanistan secure. strength of our partner- ready accepting items to be In addition to senior Brit- ship despite our losses,” donated for next year’s Op- ish and Afghan military said Eadie. eration Ball Gown. officials, the dinner was The troops spent a lot of “We do this because attended by Maj. Gen. time planning and prepar- we are a community who Glenn Walters, 2nd Marine ing this event to share our helps each other in times of Aircraft Wing (Forward)’s traditions with our Afghan need,” said Jacobs, a Ding- commanding general, and allies,” said Hancock. mans Ferry, Pa., native. Maj. Gen. John Toolan, the “I feel that the hope For more information commanding general of Re- is to teach the Afghans on Operation Ball Gown, gional Command (South- the importance of both contact Kelly Edens at 228- west). Toolan serves as the building troop apprecia- 6141, or visit Marine Corps commander for all NATO tion and remembering Family Team Building. International Security As- those lost,” he said. Find your unit on Facebook www.thebootandjetstream.com www.thebootandjetstream.com www.thebootandjetstream.com www.thebootandjetstream.com Feature The Jet Stream Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 7 Finally; Boots in the sand This is a first person guide to the tips and tricks for other Marines from Fightertown with a deep interest to deploy. If the experience and information shared is helpful feel free to utilize it. Cpl. Justin M. Boling 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) Journal entry 5: October 12, 2011 Fun at Kandahar Airfield andahar once served I was on a mission to tell the in the distance. It was excep- In that bunker, I realized as a tactical head- story of the hardworking KC- tionally pretty. this is a fight we all accept as K quarters for the Tali- 130J Hercules Marines. These I walked through the chilled Marines. When I put on my ban when they held a choke- guys and gals provide aerial air toward the hangar in awe uniform every morning, I say hold on this country and its resupply, refueling, and troop of this magnificent twilight. to the people of America, to people. Now, the Kandahar and cargo transport all over I was stirred back to my our allies and enemies around Airfield is a central hub for southwestern Afghanistan. senses when a crewmaster I the world, “I am ready to fight coalition forces, and a home My first day in Kanda- had worked with all day came for what I believe in.” to the growing Afghan Na- har began well. I took some up to me. Fear is a poison, which no man tional Air Force. amazing pictures of crewmas- “We have to get to the bun- should drink. Marines face fear, On the dusty streets of ters and pilots operating the ker, now,” he said. and carry on through it. For a Camp Leatherneck, Marine KC-130J. I saw much of the In my head I thought, “Some- Marine, an enemy attack is an Corps desert uniforms are landscape of this country. I one is trying to kill us.” opportunity to close with and the most common sight. This saw its mountains, its small As soon as we were in the destroy those we fight against. isn’t the case at Kandahar settlements and even its capi- bunker, I noticed that this expe- The next morning came and Airfield. Uniformed troops tal, Kabul. rience is quite common for the the KC-130J Marines were up from dozens of coalition na- After several hours of flying Marines at Kandahar. I looked early to refuel AV-8B Harri- tions abound. we landed back in Kandahar. I around and saw Marines wait- ers. The mission carries on. There’s even a boardwalk unloaded my gear and walked ing calmly. I thought these Ma- This is reality. I am in a with restaurants and a weekly toward the hangar as the sky rines were pretty brave. combat zone. Every Marine bazaar where Afghans open turned a muted purple with A few seconds later, I heard I’ve met knows this, and they shops to the troops. the last rays of the sun dip- an explosion not too far from carry on each day without But I wasn’t there to sight see. ping behind the mountains our bunker. fear. They continue the fight. 8 The Jet Stream Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 Classifieds