Volume 4, Issue 18

September 20, 2013 Supply & Transition Through planning

Story on Page 7 Marine father carries daughter’s 2nd MLG Social Media

Inside birthday gift in Afghanistan ... Page 4 Follow us on the Web The Warrior’s Log Page 2 Leading on the Left Foot

Marines with General Support Maintenance Company, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group run in formation with Brendan O’Toole, the co-founder of the Run for Veterans, aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 4.

Lance Cpl. Sullivan Laramie 2nd MLG Public Affairs CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - The Marines of General Support Maintenance Com- pany, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group shouted their motivation through the streets as they ran for a cause here, Sept. 4. Brendan O’Toole, the co-founder of the Run for Veterans and a former sergeant in the Marine Corps, joined the company for a four-mile morning formation run from Soifert Field to the 2nd MLG headquarters building and back. Brendan O’Toole, the co-founder of the Run for Veterans, talks to service members with Gen- The Run for Veterans is a non-profit eral Support Maintenance Company, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group organization created to promote positive about the charitable organization after a company run, aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 4. mental, physical and social wellbeing pro- the country, but we also didn’t want to but physical help on his way to North grams across America. The organization’s go too slow and lose people’s attention. Carolina. goal is to raise money to support veterans, Having someone run across America [is] Sgt. Corey J. Riggs, a platoon ser- especially the disabled, and their families. going to naturally draw people’s attention geant with the battalion who served with To achieve this, O’Toole is running ap- – there’s a real Forrest Gump doing this.” O’Toole and who followed his progress proximately 3,600 miles across the coun- O’Toole said he wasn’t originally sched- throughout the run, met with O’Toole and try from Oceanside, Calif., to Portland, uled to run aboard Camp Lejeune, but he joined him on the run to help him cross the Maine. He makes stops in cities along the hopes the run will inspire the Marines to North Carolina state line. way to speak about the importance of as- help the community. “This was my way of saying thank you sisting veterans as they make the transition “The run was pretty motivating,” said and I wanted the guys he works with to from military to civilian life and former Lance Cpl. Caleb H. Johnson, a machinist know what he’s doing [in support of the service members who struggle with post- with 2nd Maint. Bn. “It reminds us there Run for Veterans],” said O’Toole. “It was traumatic stress and other mental, medical are veterans who aren’t getting the benefits awesome to get back in with the Marine and emotional issues. and help they need. It was nice to run for a Corps. I definitely got some motivation to “Running was picked because it was the [good] cause.” get me into Virginia, and I’m looking to perfect delivery method for our mission,” After O’Toole was hit by a car while make stops in Quantico and [the Marine said O’Toole, a native of Alexandria, Va. running through South Carolina, he re- Barracks Washington D.C.].” “We didn’t want to go too quickly across ceived support, not only for the program, The Warrior’s Log Page 3 Female Marine leads the way in completion of assault climber course Warrior of the Week

Cpl. Heather Redenius, a combat engineer with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, climbs a vertical landscape during the Assault Climbers Course aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 12 to Sept. 4. Lance Cpl. Paul Martinez Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms TWENTYNINE PALMS. Calif. - His- ing part was the climbs. We learned to tory was made in the chilly, mountainous use climbing equipment called ‘cams’ terrain of Marine Corps Mountain Warfare and ‘nuts’ to scale the sides of very high Training Center Bridgeport when the first cliffs.” female Marine completed the Assault The practical application of using the Climbers Course. climbing equipment culminated in the Cpl. Heather Redenius, combat engineer, final events of the training course. 8th Engineer Support Battalion, began “Their final exercises involved the the course on Aug. 12, 2013 and pushed climbing of Big Face, which is approxi- through until its conclusion on Sept. 4. mately 150 to 200 feet in height depending Cpl. “Assault Climber’s Course is a very on the climb,” Armour said. “Then, they challenging course that tests Marines ran the battalion staff through multiple Heather Redenius mentally as well as physically,” said fixed lanes at the Asteroid Field, an ex- Hometown: Capt. Hunter Armour, unit training group posed rock that includes vertical and near Janesville, Wis. instructor, MCMWTC. “Of the 36 Marines vertical terrain.” that started the course, 18 graduated.” However, Redenius and 17 of her fellow Job title: According to Armour, the course Marines completed the task. Combat Engineer tested Marines on the tying of knots, rope “At no point did I consider giving up,” Favorite Sports systems, and climbing vertical and near Redenius said. Teams:Why did you want to vertical landscapes. During the course, the With the Marine Corps offering exist- “Ijoin prefer the college marine sports, corps?Michi- Marines conducted most of their training ing military occupational specialties and gan“For Statethe challenge, University andanything.” to be at Leavitt Training Area, which consists training packages to females, Marines like a part of a group that has the of multiple rock faces that range from ap- Redenius show that they are ready to ac- sameIf I could attitude as have myself.” one proximately 25 to 50 feet in height. cept the new challenges that lie ahead. job for a day, it “After running a physical fitness test, Cpl. Heather Redenius, a combat engineer Dowould you Havebe: A hero? unadjusted for elevation, Marines are run with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd if yes, who and why? through a series of classes, demonstra- Marine Logistics Group, climbs a vertical “DEA agent. It’s what I tions, and periods of practical applica- landscape during the Assault Climbers “Mywant dad. to do He after is the the biggest Marine Course aboard Marine Corps Mountain War- supporter and a great role tions,” Armour said. “Assault climbers fare Training Center Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. Corps.” are trained to be capable of influencing 12 to Sept. 4. model.” If I was stranded the battlefield in a unique way. They are If money was no taught to tie systems to cross gorges, water on a desert island: object, what would obstacles, package casualties, raise and “I would just want my laptop you do for a day? lower casualties over vertical and near ver- to watch movies the whole “I’d travel the world to see dif- tical obstacles, establish lanes for Marines time.” to overcome similar obstacles, and set ferent cultures.” retrievable rappels on such objectives.” “I volunteered for the course to branch out and learn something new,” Redenius said. “It was very fast paced, but I enjoyed every part. For me, the most challeng- The Warrior’s Log Page 4 2nd MLG Marine recognized for spirit

Sergeant Man Chan accepts the American Legion's Spirit of Service Award from the national Courtesy Story commander of the American Legion, James E. Koutz, the senior enlisted advisor to the Chair- 2nd MLG Public Affairs man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia., and reporter Rita Cosby in Houston, Aug. 27. CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - A Marine rine Corps in June 2003 and after Recruit to children during the holiday season. sergeant from 2nd Marine Logistics Group Training, Marine Combat Training, and Chan was nominated for the award by was awarded the American Legion's Spirit Basic Warehouse School, reported to 1st his battalion commander, and said that of Service Award, Aug. 27, 2013, for his Supply Battalion, in Camp Pendleton, he was glad to be presented the award in extensive amount of volunteer work while Calif. During his time in the battalion, he his hometown area. He also said he didn't serving at Camp Lejeune, N.C. deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a think he would be the recipient of an Sergeant Man Chan was presented the Marine Security Guard he served in Mali, award as important as the Spirit of Service award by the national commander of the Thailand, and the Czech Republic. Award. American Legion, James E. Koutz, and According to the American Legion, since "I was surprised and shocked to have the senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman being stationed at 2nd Supply Battalion, found out that I won such a prestigious of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Sgt. Chan has volunteered during multiple award," he said. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia. The presentation events aboard Camp Lejeune, and in the Chan accepted the award in front of took place during the Legion's 9th Na- Jacksonville, N.C., community, giving thousands of members of the American tional Convention at the George R. Brown 465 hours of his time to various causes. Legion in a ceremony that featured Rita Convention Center, in downtown Houston. He assisted in constructing housing with Cosby, a special correspondent with CBS's Members of the other armed services were Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and Inside Edition, as well as the presentation also presented awards for their volunteer Assisted Living Communities. He also of awards to several outstanding youth service. provided assistance to the Marine Corps’ leaders from the Legion's various youth Chan, a Houston native, joined the Ma- own program, providing toys programs. The Warrior’s Log Page 5

CAPTURED MOMENTS

Cpl. Paul Peterson Sgt. Anthony Ortiz, a California native and combat cameraman with Regional Command Southwest Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Regional Command (Southwest), rests against a desert compound wall in Helmand province, Afghanistan, CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - It should come as no June 28. surprise that the selection of stuffed animals available in Afghani- stan is limited to say the least. Dolls aren’t exactly a hot commod- ity for Marines here. Missing loved ones, however, is pretty much a universal senti- ment. The thought of being absent for yet another milestone in his daughter’s life led Sgt. Anthony Ortiz, a California native, to track down one such rare fluffy item and make a little extra space in his pack. “Basically, I haven’t been there for a lot of her life,” said Ortiz, a combat cameraman with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Region- al Command (Southwest). “This is the second deployment I’ve been on, and this is a yearlong one for my daughter, who has only been alive for three years. She’s coming up on her third birthday.” More than eight months after leaving home, he slipped the floppy-eared teddy bear into his pack before heading on patrol. The brown and white doll accompanied Ortiz from then on as he Sgt. Anthony Ortiz, a California native and combat cameraman with moved throughout Helmand province. Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Regional Command (Southwest), pos- “It’s giving her a little bit of myself and all my travels,” said es with a teddy bear inside his armored vehicle during a patrol in Ortiz, who posed for a picture with the bear at each installation Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 13. he visited. “I’m giving her the experience of where I’ve been through this teddy bear … It can represent all the different land- marks we hit together. Then I’ll send it to my daughter because at every place I’ve been, all around Afghanistan, up and down, she was always on my mind.” The traveling duo bounced from base to base. They endured inclement weather, dangerous routes through the desert, and the inquisitive gaze of other Marines. “I definitely got some looks and some comments,” said Ortiz, who admits he’s a little bit eccentric. “I loved it. As soon as I told them why I was doing it, everybody else’s eyes just flared up. They wanted to do the exact same thing.” The doll was a welcome distraction for Ortiz as he neared the Sgt. Anthony Ortiz, a California native and combat cameraman with last third of his deployment. There are no off days in Afghanistan, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Regional Command (Southwest), pos- and he had already seen many of his peers return to the states. es with a teddy bear at the sign for Combat Outpost Eredvi, Helmand See BEAR on Page 8 province, Afghanistan, Aug. 13. The Warrior’s Log Page 6

LanceMission Cpl. Shawn Readiness: Valosin CLR-25 conducts field exercise 2nd MLG Public Affairs CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marines and nesses were, and gave them an opportunity Battalion who worked in and taught junior Sailors with Combat Logistics Regiment to become stronger. Marines how to run a combat operations 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group took to “We’re getting efficient out here at center. the field for an exercise in mission readi- what we do so we’re going to continue to Marines with Food Service Company, ness. ratchet up the pressure, and I’m confident Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd MLG From Sept. 6 to 13, members of CLR- the Marines and Sailors here are going to were able to use a new expandable field 25 performed their everyday duties in a perform,” said Lt. Col. Jesse A. Kemp, the kitchen, which could accommodate 800 deployed environment. They also had to commanding officer of 2nd Supply Bat- people at full capacity. Hot breakfast and react to chemical, biological, radiological, talion, CLR-25. dinner was served every day to Marines and nuclear threats, as well as massive The time in the field was also used to and Sailors at the exercise. casualty response drills while in a convoy. meet annual training requirements for “It took us three days to get everything This was the first time the regiment con- individual Marine occupational special- set up, and we had to face cleanliness and ducted a field exercise of this magnitude. ties. Marines with Ordnance Maintenance timing challenges, but we were able to “It’s one thing to excel at your job in a Company, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd accomplish all of our goals and get hot garrison environment, but we’re United MLG practiced in vehicle recovery sce- food to the service members in a timely States Marines,” said Col. Terrence A. narios with multiple vehicles, dismantled manner,” said Cpl. Patrick Bonelli, a food O’Connell, the commanding officer of and performed maintenance on an artillery service specialist with Food Service Co. CLR-25. “We have to be able to do our piece and navigated terrain with heavy An exercise of this magnitude takes a lot jobs in a deployed operational environ- equipment. of effort from multiple units and months ment … you can’t do that from the gar- “We have experienced Marines teaching of preparation. Even when everyone seems rison facilities.” the guys who are fresh out of the school to be on the same page, once service mem- The main body of the regiment set up house to make sure they’re all worldwide bers get to the field and start hitting rough Camp Mercado in a field location and deployable,” said Capt. Douglas Mayorga, patches in execution, views can change had three supporting sites aboard Camp the company commander of Ordnance and friction can appear. Lejeune. Vehicles and equipment that were Maint. Co. “We expected some friction to occur scheduled for repairs in garrison were sent On Sept.12, a segment of 2nd Supply coming out here, but everyone has per- to the field locations and Marines made Bn., which was at one of the satellite formed exceptionally well together,” said use of tools available to them, like they locations, displaced and re-deployed to a Capt. Daniel W. Fetsch, the current opera- would do on an actual deployment. new location. This exercise reinforced the tions officer with CLR-25. “The Marine Elements from outside of CLR-25 concept of being expeditionary. Air-Ground Task Force Integrated Systems participated in the field exercise as well, as “We could go to battle tomorrow and Training Center aboard Camp Johnson Marines with 8th Engineer Support Bat- we need to be able to set this up and tear was a huge asset with getting Marines talion brought in and purified water from a it down,” said Cpl. Scott Sensanbaugher, trained effectively so they can operate in nearby inlet. They then dispersed the water an ammo technician with 2nd Supply combat operations centers.” throughout the camp to be used for hydra- Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group provide securi- tion, cooking, showering and laundry. ty for a massive casualty response drill during a regimental field exercise aboard Camp “Solid training events like these always Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 12. cause the best to come out of the best … that’s invaluable when discerning the character of those you lead,” said Lt. Col. Craig C. Clemans, the commanding officer of 2nd Maintenance Battalion. Service members involved in the exer- cise faced many challenges, including the setup of communications networks within and outside their individual field locations and finding terrain that could be helpful for mission accomplishment. These chal- lenges allowed leaders and junior Marines to learn where their strengths and weak- The Warrior’s Log Page 7

(Left) Lance Cpl. Miguel Rodriguez (left), an Ar- vada, Col., native and food service specialist, and Lance Cpl. Frank Bayne, a motor vehicle operator, both Marines serving with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Regional Command (Southwest), loosen a strap after unloading cargo at Forward Operating Base Shir Ghazi, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 27. ahead of time.” Each convoy has limited space for sup- plies. Whether it’s the basic food, water and fuel needed by all Marine units, or a request for additional rockets, Musser helps coordinate the most efficient way to plan each convoy’s load. Every Marine at the ground level must know what items to drop off and what items to pick up. Each driver needs to un- derstand their destination, cargo require- ments and end state. Some convoys support various installa- tions at the same time. Any mistake would CLR-2 Fwd Logistics leave a gap in the overall load plan. Cpl. Paul Peterson “There’s two phases to any convoy – fronthaul and backhaul,” said Musser. Regional Command Southwest “[We] break it down into a spread sheet CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - requirements. Requests preferably come in for each item with a point of contact, The nitty-gritty front end of combat logis- 10 days prior to the actual convoy. In that the unit and any special instructions. It’s tics in Helmand province has Marines with time, Musser and his Marines coordinate broken down into the basics so they can Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Regional with requesting units and the Marines just look at it and know what needs to be Command (Southwest), pushing through responsible for transporting the materiel. picked up and how many truck spaces are unforgiving desert landscapes. “We look at the big picture,” said required.” It’s a daily grind that requires service Musser. “We don’t tell them what vehicles The Marines compare the amount and members to endure intense heat, arduous to use, but we do give recommendations. type of equipment heading out from Camp work hours and the constant possibility It’s up to the [transportation Marines] to Leatherneck with the space needed to of enemy attack. Convoys can stretch for determine how they complete the mission. See LOGISTICS on Page 8 more than a mile. Vehicles break down, We just make sure they have the assets and plans change. It’s complicated, yet also simple. “When it comes down to it, it’s about getting stuff from point A to point B, but the devil is in the details,” said Capt. Eric Musser, a Kaneohe, Hawaii, native and transportation officer with CLR-2. “You really have to pay attention to what you’re doing.” The process starts with requests from units in the field. Musser and other Marines with the regiment organize the requests into load plans for convoys. “You can kind of think of it like we’re UPS, and they put in an order,” said Musser. “We break it down by location, what it is, who the receiving unit is, and that’s our load plan.” Logistics planners also take into ac- Lance Cpl. Frank Bayne, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Re- count the urgency of requests and special gional Command (Southwest), guides a lift-arm as it hauls a storage unit at Forward Operat- considerations such as terrain or vehicle ing Base Now Zad, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 28. The Warrior’s Log Page 8

BEAR, their picture taken,” observed Ortiz. “I’m of the Army. actually that photographer who loves to The unit treats larger bases in the prov- Continued from page 4 get his picture taken. For once I get to ince as logistics hubs, which can then sup- “You just have to take it one day at a be the person in the photo. It feels good port smaller outposts nearby to maximize time,” said Ortiz, who also served in Iraq. knowing these pictures are intended for outreach. “You can talk about it. You can read about my daughter.” Transition and consolidation efforts in it. But unless you live it, you can’t really Ortiz also designed a card for his daugh- Helmand province put the regiment in a tell somebody passionately what it’s going ter. Nothing fancy, he admitted, but the vitally important position. Marine units to entail, how they’re going to feel, or best he could manage under the circum- throughout the area track their goals for a what’s going to go on in their head. stances. week, month and even a year to maintain a “You’re busted down to the exact bare His collection complete, Ortiz bid smooth, mutually supportive effort. minimum of what you need to survive, farewell to his traveling companion and Each base’s assets need to be accounted and you march on,” he continued. “You’re bundled the doll, photos and card into an for and measured for eventual transition, all away from your families. You all ex- ordinary postal box. He mailed it back to consolidation and retrograde. perience it together, and you’ll never have his daughter in Manassas, Va., Sept. 5. “We are the sole providers for that closer friends … You just do the mission “The [bear] is ready to go see my daugh- retrograde,” said Musser. “We’ve also and come home together.” ter,” said Ortiz, just before sending the taken a bigger role in the planning efforts. As a combat camera Marine, Ortiz’s mis- package. “I know it’s not a nicely wrapped Everyone is looking to us for how we are sion took him from one end of Helmand gift for her birthday, but … you know … going to do this, and how we can support province to the other. He’s accompanied next year.” units until the day the last boots are off the infantry units on patrol through villages ground.” and rode with extensive convoys moving LOGISTICS, It’s a daunting undertaking to be sure, through desert trails. but it’s also a feat of preparation and During his nine months in Afghanistan, Continued from page 6 execution. he compiled an extensive collection of transport materiel back to the base. They “It’s just like any planning you do,” said photographs for Marine commanders in ensure the necessary vehicles are attached Musser. “You nurture it, then you kind the field and families back home. to each convoy to handle the request, of give it away and see it blossom and “You just have to go with your gut,” terrain and self-recover any vehicle with executed. It’s interesting because you’re he said. “It’s a great feeling because you mechanical issues. directly involved in seeing all the moving come back from a mission and you’re “It’s constantly being flexible,” said parts and knowing, ‘I’m responsible for dirty and you’re tired. You look at all the Musser. “We run a lot of the same routes, that.’ It’s what we do, but it’s interesting to images you have. You have life. You have so we know what we’re capable of and step out of that bubble and see everything history captured.” what we’re not. It’s the curve balls.” moving.” As a cameraman, however, it isn’t often CLR-2 bears the brunt for transportation Ortiz finds himself on the opposite side of operations in the area and supports mul- the lens. tiple Marine infantry and support units, “Most photographers don’t like to get Special Forces groups and even elements Headlines from around the MARINE CORPS

VMU-3 celebrates 5 years of service Marines close width, destroy books CLB Marines, Super Stallions team up for heavy lifts 11th MEU executes field exercise Budget-minded travelers take flight with ‘Space-A’ Air-Sea Battle concept promotes increased integration to defeat future threats 2nd Tanks promotes first female field grade officer The Warrior’s Log Page 9 Sailors receive thier anchors

A newly promoted chief petty officer renders a salute as he comes aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Lance Cpl. Sullivan Laramie for the first time in his new position during a promotion ceremony, Sept. 13. The action of coming 2nd MLG Public Affairs aboard represented the assumption of responsibilities as a new chief in the Navy. CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - A brass bell Logistics Group. “[Promotion to chief] is ficult. It’s just an enlightening experience rang each new chief petty officer aboard the best day of a naval career.” that teaches you how to move forward Camp Lejeune. It was followed by a sharp Petty officers first class must participate with your career.” salute and cheer from the audience as in the Chief Petty Officer 365, or CPO Phase two of CPO 365 begins when a each Sailor marched forward with anchors 365, before they can be selected for pro- petty officer first class is selected for pro- freshly pinned to the collar of his or her motion to chief, one of the most difficult motion to chief. This stage is shaped to the new khaki uniform. ranks to achieve in the military. Phase one specific responsibilities of a chief, rather The approximately 30 new chiefs on the of CPO 365 consists of physical training than general leadership. While the first base received their new ranks during a and classes to familiarize the Sailors with phase uses monthly meetings, phase two is promotion ceremony here amidst family, the many aspects of Navy tradition. a continuous six weeks of training. friends and mentors, Sept. 13. “Every day of the year is aimed toward “I think the process should be expanded “The chief is the residential expert on us getting ready to take on the role of chief to the lower ranks,” said McElhinney, a heritage, technical knowledge and guiding petty officer,” said Chief Petty Officer Silsbee, Texas, native. “It truly is a great principles – ‘ask the chief,’” said Master Patrick McElhinney, now a chief hospital process that teaches us all sorts of things Chief Petty Officer Russell W. Folley, corpsman with 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd about the military.”

the command master chief of 2nd Marine MLG. “[Phase one] is not really that dif- Photo by Lance Cpl. Sullivan Laramie Commanding General Public Affairs Officers Press Chief Brig. Gen. Edward D. Banta 1st Lt. James F. Stenger Cpl. Devin Nichols 1st Lt. Nicole M. Yuhas Budget-minded travelers take flight with ‘Space-A’ Sergeant Major 2nd lt. Maida Kalić Sgt. Maj. George W. Young Jr. Combat Correspondents Sgt. Alisa Helin Command Master Chief Cpl. Paul Peterson CMDCM Russell W. Folley Lance Cpl. Shawn Valosin Lance Cpl. Sullivan Laramie